Intern, Project Engineer

Samuel, Son & Co. • Riverside, CA

6d • $24 - $27

About The Position

The Project Engineer Intern supports engineering projects and manufacturing operations under the guidance of Project Engineers and senior engineers. The role assists with project planning, execution, monitoring, schedules, timelines, budgets, documentation, meetings, and closeout activities. It also provides engineering and technical support through preparing drawings and documentation, collecting and analyzing data, supporting equipment evaluations and process studies, participating in testing and commissioning, and assisting with troubleshooting.

The intern contributes to Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including process improvement, root cause investigations, corrective actions, trend analysis, and standard operating procedures. The role also supports vendor coordination, RFQs and bid evaluations, and collaboration across operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams. The intern is expected to follow safety policies, participate in safety and risk activities, and support quality and compliance initiatives.

This position is intended to provide professional development through exposure to project management methodologies, engineering practices, manufacturing processes, equipment systems, and facility operations. The position pays $24.00–$27.00; base salary is determined by factors including geographic location, skills, education, experience, and internal pay equity. The job posting is for an existing vacancy. Sierra Aluminum is a vertically integrated aluminum extrusion mill offering standard, custom, and OEM aluminum products and value-added services.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university program.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Strong interest in project management, manufacturing, and process improvement.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative.

Nice To Haves

• Previous internship, co-op, or engineering project experience.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as MS Project.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, industrial, or laboratory environment.
• Coursework related to manufacturing processes, project management, or continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist Project Engineers with planning, execution, and monitoring of engineering projects.
• Support development of project schedules, timelines, and budgets.
• Track project activities and maintain project documentation.
• Participate in project meetings and follow up on assigned action items.
• Support project closeout, including documentation and lessons learned.
• Assist in preparing engineering drawings, specifications, reports, and technical documentation.
• Support equipment evaluations, process studies, and engineering analyses.
• Collect, organize, and analyze operational and project-related data.
• Participate in equipment testing, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment and process issues under senior engineers’ guidance.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in process improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
• Gather operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support development of standard operating procedures and process documentation.
• Assist with vendor communication and coordination.
• Support preparation of Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and bid evaluations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams.
• Provide project updates and technical information to team members as needed.
• Follow company safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in safety observations, training sessions, and risk assessments.
• Support quality and compliance initiatives related to engineering projects.
• Maintain safe work practices in office and manufacturing environments.
• Participate in training and development opportunities and build technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills through project assignments.

Benefits

• Opportunities for team members to develop and grow in their careers.
• A dynamic, supportive, and welcoming workplace with programs, culture, and opportunities for career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern