Manufacturing Intern - Product Design & Automation

SUMMARY: The Manufacturing Intern at Hercules Industries will play a hands-on role in improving how products are designed and built. This is not a passive, observational internship; interns will work directly with engineering and production teams to support product design enhancements, analyze manufacturing processes, and identify automation opportunities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both design and shop floor problem-solving and wants to see how engineering decisions translate into real-world production outcomes. M-F 7am-3:30pm, $23.00/hour

Timing & Commitment:
This is a Summer 2026 internship running from mid-May through August (approximately 10–12 weeks). The expected start date is flexible between May 15 and June 1, depending on academic schedules. Some flexibility in start and end dates may be accommodated.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Product Design & CAD Support

Create and modify 2D and 3D models of HVAC components (ductwork, fittings, assemblies) using tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Inventor

Ensure designs align with SMACNA standards and internal specifications

Support design updates to improve manufacturability, cost, and performance

Manufacturing Process Improvement

Partner with production teams to understand fabrication processes (cutting, bending, forming)

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline workflows

Support implementation of process improvements on the shop floor

Time Studies & Process Analysis

Observe manufacturing operations and collect data on:

Cycle times

Bottlenecks

Labor utilization

Analyze findings and contribute to recommendations for process, layout, or workflow improvements

Engineering Documentation

Create and update:

Work instructions

Bills of Materials (BOMs)

Technical drawings

Ensure clear and accurate communication between engineering and manufacturing teams

Quality Control & Inspection

Assist in inspecting finished sheet metal components for dimensional accuracy and tolerance compliance

Document defects and support root cause analysis for recurring quality issues

Contribute to continuous improvement of quality processes

Prototyping & Testing

Support the build and evaluation of prototype HVAC components and assemblies

Assist with fit-up, airflow, or functional testing

Record and summarize performance data for engineering review

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the below essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability preferred. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes
• Exposure to CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Willingness to spend time on the shop floor and engage with production teams

What You Will Gain

Hands-On Manufacturing Experience

• Direct exposure to real production environments and processes
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and operators

Design-to-Production Insight

• Understanding of how product design impacts manufacturability and cost
• Experience bridging engineering and operations

Skill Development

• CAD design and drafting
• Process analysis and improvement
• Engineering documentation and quality control

Real Impact

• Contribute to tangible improvements in efficiency, quality, and product performance

What Success Looks Like

• Meaningful contributions to design improvements or process efficiency
• Clear, accurate engineering documentation
• Identification of practical automation or workflow improvements
• Strong collaboration with engineering and production teams
• Demonstrated growth in both technical and manufacturing knowledge

Why Hercules

• Opportunity to make a material impact—your work will matter
• Work in a company that is actively transforming and investing in data and analytics
• Employee-owned (ESOP), aligning effort with long-term value creation
• Right-sized organization: large enough for complexity, small enough for visibility and impact
• A culture that values curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to effectively communicate with customers and staff to make an accurate assessment of customer needs.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations required to accurately complete assigned tasks.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral or written form. Ability to use sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

ATTENDANCE DEMANDS: The attendance demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Attendance is required Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or within normal business hours as established by the supervisor. Employee may be required to work overtime, and occasional Saturday’s and Sunday’s.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; walk and stand; use hands, handle, or feel; and required to speak, read, and hear English. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be loud on occasion.
• This position may on occasion be exposed to extreme weather conditions that may affect a warehouse environment.
• This is a fast-paced environment.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Hercules Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or other legally protected status.