New Product Introduction Intern

About the role

As a New Product Introduction (NPI) Intern, you will play a hands-on role in bringing new magnet manufacturing processes from development into scalable production. You will work closely with the NPI team to document critical manufacturing processes, execute targeted process experiments, and conduct data analysis on sample builds to support Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP). This role bridges real-world manufacturing line execution with data-driven engineering.

The ideal candidate behaves like an analytical sleuth: eager to learn on the shop floor, analyze trial data, and help create clear, repeatable manufacturing standards.

What you’ll be doing

Process Documentation & Standardization

• Shadow technicians and engineers during build trials to create, update, and refine clear, highly visual Work Instructions and SOPs.
• Support updates to preliminary Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Process FMEAs (PFMEA) based on observations from early-stage builds.
• Partner with Quality and Production teams to ensure smooth handoffs of newly documented processes to full-scale manufacturing.

Process Experimentation & Execution

• Assist NPI engineers in planning and running process experiments (Design of Experiments / DOEs) on prototype and sample build lines.
• Collect and compile experimental data to help determine process stability, baseline process capability (Cp, Cpk), and optimal operating parameters.
• Track yield trends during early sample builds to help pinpoint scrap drivers and operational inefficiencies.

PPAP & Sample Build Data Analysis

• Perform statistical and yield analysis on sample build runs to support customer sample submissions.
• Organize, analyze, and format measurement and test data required for PPAP documentation packages (e.g., Dimensional Results, Material/Performance Test Results).
• Apply basic Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to chart dimensional, physical, and magnetic performance traits across initial builds.

What we’re looking for

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated strong foundational understanding of core manufacturing engineering principles, statistics, and engineering documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Excel (data manipulation, charting, functions) or statistical tools (Minitab, JMP, Power BI, Python, or R).
• Strong attention to detail with an eagerness to observe shop-floor operations and translate physical steps into clear technical documentation.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with operators, technicians, and design engineers.

Preferred

• Basic familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEAs, Control Plans, or measurement equipment (CMM, calipers, optical comparators).
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing concepts, 5S, root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone), or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Previous intern or co-op experience in a manufacturing, testing, or lab environment.

Work environment

• Able to lift or move up to 20 lbs occasionally.
• Comfortable spending significant time both at a desk/computer and on the manufacturing floor.
• Capable of wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas.
• Capable of repetitive movements, including sitting, standing, walking, and navigating the manufacturing facility.