Mechanical Engineering Intern

Little Rapids Corporation (LRC) is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern for summer 2027 at the Rapids Paper + Packaging facility in Green Bay, WI. LRC’s Rapids Paper + Packaging division combines specialty paper, flexible packaging, advanced printing, and functional coating technologies.

Work Location & Schedule

Location: 2970 Walker Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm (approximate)

Position Objective

The Mechanical Engineering Intern supports the engineering and production teams by assisting with the design, analysis, maintenance, and continuous improvement of equipment and processes within a flexographic printing manufacturing environment. Through practical application of engineering principles, the intern will develop technical skills and gain exposure to manufacturing best practices in a fast‑paced printing environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering personnel to evaluate equipment performance, identify improvement opportunities, and contribute to initiatives that enhance safety, productivity, print quality, and operational excellence.
• Support the plant’s maintenance team with central projects and tasks essential to continuous improvement and product development.
• Assist with the creation of part models and drawings using SolidWorks (e.g., guards, bearing mounts, platforms).
• Assist with a variety of engineering, maintenance, and continuous‑improvement projects at different stages of completion, working with internal teams and external contractors to support equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Work with a multi‑functional team that includes operating‑floor members, management, and suppliers.
• Identify safety hazards or areas for improvement and assist with troubleshooting, brainstorming, and implementing corrections.
• Assist with the development of documentation for engineering processes and projects.
• Develop periodic presentations of findings, results, and performance impacts for routine check‑ins with management, culminating in a comprehensive formal presentation at the end of the internship.
• Perform other assignments as directed by management, potentially involving safety, information systems, process control, automation, mechanical/electrical engineering, maintenance, converting operations, supply chain, quality, and vendor exposure.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform basic computer operations (email, data entry, navigation within press operation and data systems, keyboard use).
• Mathematical skills to compute percentages, weights, and calculate supplies required to complete jobs as scheduled.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English, including machine‑operation and safety instructions.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to successfully pass a post‑offer drug screen and physical.
• Self‑motivated and able to work effectively as a team member.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field, with completion of entry‑ to intermediate‑level engineering coursework demonstrating interest in applying engineering principles within a manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a normal office environment, including sitting or standing for long periods, operating standard office equipment, carrying paper documents/files, reaching, bending, and speaking on the telephone.
• Work around fast‑moving machinery.
• Walk/stand, bend, stoop, and work with hands.
• Exposure to noise levels; required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, eye protection, hat or hair net, high‑visibility vest, safety shoes, cut‑resistant gloves, etc., depending on the task.