Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Intern
Division: Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI)
Location: Pella, IA - Onsite
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Status: Internship
Travel Required: 0-15%
Revision Date: August 19, 2026
Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager
PURPOSE OF POSITION
Provide college-level students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering. Under the guidance of engineers, the intern will assist in designing, improving, and documenting manufacturing processes, tooling, and production methods to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety. This role offers exposure to real-world engineering challenges and process improvement initiatives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
More specifically, the Manufacturing Engineer Intern will:
- Assist in developing and improving manufacturing processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety.
- Support the design and implementation of tooling, fixtures, layouts, and equipment for production.
- Create and update CAD models, drawings, diagrams, and bills of materials.
- Perform calculations and engineering analyses under supervision to ensure projects meet specifications.
- Help troubleshoot manufacturing and production issues.
- Collaborate with operations, quality, and supply chain teams on projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Document processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
- Provide timely updates on project progress and deliverables.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement and practical implementation.
- Experience in manufacturing methods, quality practices, and CAD tools.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work across cross-functional teams.
- Proven organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and meeting deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
- Understanding of process improvement methodology
- Strong academic candidates, demonstrated by a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Teamwork and leadership experience in academic, athletic, and/or off-campus activities.
EDUCATION – EXPERIENCE – COMPUTER SKILLS
- Pursuing bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in engineering or industrial technology.
TRAINING – CERTIFICATIONS – LICENSES
- AutoCAD, SolidWorks, DraftSight experience. Or experience with other CAD and 3D modeling software.
COMPETENCIES
To perform this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following work competencies:
- Process Improvement / Continuous Improvement - Ability to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and apply CI tools to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
- Data Analysis & Decision-Making - Uses production data, cycle times, and scrap trends to make accurate, fact-based decisions.
- Technical Design & Process Development - Designs and improves fixtures, tooling, layouts, and processes to ensure safety, efficiency, and repeatability.
- Project Management & Execution - Independently plans, organizes, and completes engineering projects while managing risks and timelines.
- Adaptability & Flexibility - Adjusts quickly to changing priorities, balances urgent issues with project work, and learns new processes rapidly.
- Communication - Clearly communicates technical information across all levels, ensures alignment with operators and cross-functional teams, and adjusts messaging for different audiences.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee:
- Must be able to frequently stoop/bend.
- Must be able to regularly use hands and arms.
- Must be able to regularly stand and walk.
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
- Specific hearing abilities required for this job include the ability to hear equipment alarms and the ability to hear instructions from others.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY
- The noise level in the work environment is usually MODERATE.
- Steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and ear plugs are required in production areas and when posted.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Precision, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employee owners to discuss potential accommodations with Precision, Inc.
Skills Required
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in engineering or industrial technology
- Experience in manufacturing methods, quality practices, and CAD tools
- AutoCAD, SolidWorks, DraftSight, or other CAD and 3D modeling software experience
- Strong problem-solving skills focused on continuous improvement and practical implementation
- Effective communication and ability to work across cross-functional teams
- Organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software
- Understanding of process improvement methodology
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Teamwork and leadership experience in academic, athletic, or off-campus activities
- Ability to frequently stoop or bend, regularly stand and walk, use hands and arms, and lift or move up to 25 pounds
- Ability to work in production areas requiring steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and ear plugs
What We Do
PPI (Precision Pulley and Idler) is an employee owned company that was founded in 1977 with the goals of providing high-performance conveyor components and competitive pricing, both combined with unparalleled customer service. These goals have not changed over the years, but in fact, have been enhanced. Every PPI employee is involved in the process of putting the customer first. We listen to understand customer needs and know that by responding quickly, we help improve business profitability and potential. New product ideas and product changes are direct results of customer input. The PPI staff of Production, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, and Regional Sales People are dedicated to meeting your requirements for quality conveyor components. Our commitment to product performance, competitiveness, and service will continue as we respond to customer requests for the finest conveyor components in the marketplace. Precision Pulley and idler fue fundada en 1977 con la meta de proporcionar componentes de alto rendimiento y a precios competitivos, combinados con un servicio al cliente especial. Estos objetivos no han cambiado con los años, pero de hecho, han mejorado. Hoy, PPI cuenta con mas de 700 empleados globales y 12 plantas manufactureras en los Estados Unidos, así como dos instalaciones internacionales. Cada planta está dedicada a la fabricación de productos específicos y a servir sus clientes de la mejor manera posible. Nuestra promesa es simple: Productos de calidad con un precio competitivo y un servicio al cliente inmejorable para suplir sus necesidades al rededor del mundo con la confianza de tener al equipo PPI trabajando a su lado. Agradecemos su negocio y apoyo. Usted tiene nuestro compromiso de que nuestros objetivos para el rendimiento del producto, la competitividad, y el servicio continuará a medida que respondamos a sus solicitud por mejores componentes de bandas de transporte en el mercado. IMPRESSUM PPI – Precision Pulley & Idler LinkedIn page is a place where fans, including employees, suppliers, customer and others, can participate in an open dialog format. We welcome the exchange of ideas and debate when participants engage respectfully. To maintain a healthy and fun environment PPI will do its best to monitor, moderate, screen and ensure that all posted content is appropriate. The following guidelines are in place to uphold site values and ensure content is suitable for public viewing. Please understand that
