Intern: Manufacturing Engineer (Summer 2026)

What you will do

We are seeking a motivated Engineering Intern to join engineering team. This role provides hands exposure to manufacturing engineering and continuous improvement in a BIW (body-in-white) production environment. The successful candidate will support ongoing projects aimed at restoring processes to basic conditions, driving digitalization initiatives, and leading kaizen activities to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety across operations.

If this describes you, we have an exciting position that starts here and can help you develop your career path moving forward.

Who are we?

We’re a hands-on team working together to bring stability and continuous improvement to our Body in White operations. With production volumes on the rise, we’re redesigning processes, tools, and fixtures, while also improving documentation and standards to support long-term success. At the same time, we’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves and find creative ways to solve the challenges that come our way. As a co-op, you’ll be part of these efforts from day one—contributing to real projects, learning alongside experienced engineers, and helping us shape the future of our production.

This position will be based in Kings Mountain, NC.

What you will do

As part of the manufacturing engineering team, you will conduct time studies and data analysis to identify opportunities for optimization, standardization, and waste elimination. A strong emphasis will be placed on understanding and improving process flow, ensuring accurate cycle times, and supporting production targets. The student will also gain experience in fixture and tooling design, helping to evaluate and maintain jigs, tools, and equipment used in BIW assembly.The role will include supporting digital transformation initiatives within the plant, such as implementing data-driven tools and visual management systems that enhance problem-solving and decision-making. In addition, the co-op will participate in structured kaizen workshops, where they will be expected to propose and implement practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

This position offers a unique opportunity for a student to apply classroom knowledge in a real world environment while developing core skills in lean manufacturing, industrial engineering, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and proactive student currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, with strong analytical abilities, curiosity for digital tools, and a willingness to work hands-on in a fast-paced production setting.

What’s in it for you?

We are looking for candidates with the following skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Working towards a B.S. degree in automotive, or manufacturing
• Office 365, Power Automate, Power BI skills preferred
• Analytics skills or experience a plus
• Applicants have completed 30 semester hours of undergraduate studies prior to the start of the co-op.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75
• Summer interns may work up to 40 hours per week