Engineering Intern
Location: Piper Products, Wausau WI
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Piper Products, a division of CFS Brands, is seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Engineer to support industrial engineering and continuous improvement projects at our Wausau, Wisconsin facility. This position will use engineering methods and Lean Manufacturing principles to improve productivity, quality, safety, standard work, and operational efficiency across our production processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct time studies, motion studies, and process observations within manufacturing operations.
Analyze and support production line balancing initiatives to improve efficiency and productivity.
Support production layout optimization, equipment moves, and facility modification projects.
Assist with the design and improvement of workstations, incorporating ergonomics, safety, quality, and productivity principles.
Develop, document, and maintain standardized work for manufacturing operations.
Prepare and update work instructions, visual aids, process maps, and other technical documentation.
Collect and analyze shop-floor data to identify improvement opportunities and support fact-based decisions.
Analyze production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) and communicate findings to leadership and cross-functional teams.
Participate in continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing tools and problem-solving methods.
Monitor action plans and follow up on assigned improvement activities to ensure timely implementation and sustainability.
Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Engineering to execute improvement projects effectively.
Support a safe, organized, and respectful work environment and perform other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field is required.
Recent graduate or early-career engineer; relevant co-op, internship, project, or manufacturing experience is preferred.
Ability to work on-site at Piper Products in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with employees and leaders at all levels, including on the production floor.
Ability to understand, communicate, and document technical information in English.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, 5S, value-stream mapping, or structured problem solving.
Experience with time studies, line balancing, standardized work, ergonomics, or process improvement.
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience with AutoCAD or another layout/design software.
Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical thinking | Proactive mindset | Teamwork and collaboration | Organization and planning | Effective communication | Results orientation | Attention to detail | Problem solving | Adaptability | Continuous improvement mindset
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Completion of assigned time studies and process analyses.
Processes standardized and work instructions developed or updated.
Improvement opportunities identified and implemented.
Cycle-time reduction and productivity improvement.
On-time completion of assigned activities and project deliverables.
Sustained improvements in quality, safety, efficiency, and standard work adherence.
PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Regularly work in an active manufacturing environment and on the production floor.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
Ability to occasionally lift or move materials and equipment within safe-work guidelines.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and protective footwear, as applicable.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Piper Products and CFS Brands are equal opportunity employers. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Piper Products | 300 S. 84th Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field
- Ability to work on-site at Piper Products in Wausau, Wisconsin
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with employees and leaders at all levels, including on the production floor
- Ability to understand, communicate, and document technical information in English
- Recent graduate or early-career engineer
- Relevant co-op, internship, project, or manufacturing experience
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, 5S, value-stream mapping, or structured problem solving
- Experience with time studies, line balancing, standardized work, ergonomics, or process improvement
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience with AutoCAD or another layout/design software
- Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment
What We Do
Since 1954, CFS Brands cemented its passion for design with many industry firsts, including the commercial-grade plastic beverage pitcher and, more notably, the Bains Marie bin - forever transforming food storage and handling. Today, CFS Brands is one of the largest partner suppliers to the FoodService, Healthcare and Hygiene industries. Our goal is to provide customers with innovative solutions, quality service and a comprehensive shopping experience - increasing success while reducing costs. CFS Brands identifies the problem and invents the solution, expanding on inspiration from the past to reshape industries using today’s technology. While simultaneously harnessing the power of our best-in-class brands like San Jamar, Dinex and Sparta, to establish customer-centric solutions, the heart of our innovation. Our worldwide team of dedicated employees drives CFS Brands as the single-source and most trusted partner for integrated solutions and support, helping deliver our brand promise: Designing Value. Delivering Success.
