Manufacturing Engineering Lean Intern

Job Description Summary
The Manufacturing Engineering Lean Intern at Baer Manufacturing is a hands-on role focused on executing rapid, practical improvements on the prefabrication shop floor. This internship combines fixture and tool design duties with the implementation of Lean principles to eliminate waste, improve flow, and increase productivity. With the guidance of the Lean and Engineering Manager, the intern will directly support fabrication, assembly, and electrical teams by designing, building, and implementing solutions that create immediate operational impact in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity (SQDP). The internship will start in early summer 2026 with 40-hour work weeks through the summer with an option of continuing during the school year as the Intern's class schedule allows.

As a division of Hunt Electric - Baer Manufacturing's prefabrication production is producing industry-leading work. Prefabrication provides a safer environment for assembly of electrical components, aims at saving time in the construction schedule, and yields a higher quality installation at a reduced cost to the project.
Job Description:

We are seeking a high-energy, process-oriented Lean Engineering Intern to join our team. Reporting directly to the Lean & Engineering Manager, you will be on the front lines of our Continuous Improvement (CI) journey. This isn't a "desk job"-you will be on the shop floor, teaching Lean principles, leading Kaizen events, and driving measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Fixture and Tool Design (Primary Value Driver): Design and develop simple fixtures, jigs, and tooling that improve safety, quality, and efficiency. Work directly with operators to translate pain points into practical solutions. Support rapid prototyping and implementation of shop aids.
• Training and Culture: Facilitate and support training on Lean fundamentals including Value-Add vs Non-Value-Add (VA/NVA), the 8 Wastes, and 5S plus Safety. Reinforce Lean behaviors through daily engagement with frontline teams.
• Kaizen Leadership and Rapid Improvement: Plan, lead, and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events. Drive structured root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone) & implement countermeasures with sustainment follow-up.
• Value Stream Mapping and Flow Improvement: Assist in developing current and future state value stream maps for key processes. Identify waste in motion, waiting, transport, and overprocessing. Ensure each mapping effort ties to physical changes on the floor.
• Standard Work and Process Improvement: Document current processes and support development of improved standard work. Implement changes that reduce variation and improve repeatability using simple, visual point-of-use documentation.
• Hands-On Shop Floor Support: Engage daily with production teams during Gemba walks and shop visits. Assist in troubleshooting bottlenecks & process issues in real time. Support quick-hit improvements & adoption.
• Data and Performance Tracking: Track key metrics tied to SQDP. Identify trends and support countermeasure development. Connect fixture and tooling changes to measurable performance movement.

Qualifications

• Education: Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Technical skills: Basic CAD (Inventor, Revit, Navisworks or similar). Strong mechanical aptitude. Comfortable using shop tools and working in a production environment.
• Mindset: Bias for action and structured problem-solving. Willing to engage directly with operators and take feedback. Focused on practical results, not theoretical solutions.

Physical Requirements:

• This job operates in a warehouse environment and is exposed to weather conditions.
• Must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) per warehouse requirements, including but not limited to, hard toe work boots, safety glasses, gloves and, high visibility vest.
• This role occasionally uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing cabinets, photocopiers and fax machines.
• Employees are frequently required to sit, stand, and occasionally required to bend, kneel, reach, stoop, or crouch.
• This position may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Pay Range:
$53,248.00 - $59,633.60
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only. In addition to base compensation, Hunt Electric offers a robust benefits plan. See below for additional details or visit our website at Hunt Electric Careers.

Hunt Electric Corporation and affiliates are equal opportunity employers and afford equal opportunity to all qualified applicants for consideration in all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws.

Hunt Electric Corporation participates in E-Verify.

As part of our recruitment, screening, and hiring processes, your resume may be reviewed using AI tools to help us identify relevant skills and experience. The use of such AI tools is subject to human oversight and every hiring and employment-related decision is thoughtfully reviewed by a real person.