Operations Engineering Intern

Join Our Team at HuFriedyGroup – Innovating Excellence in Dental Instrument Manufacturing

HuFriedyGroup is a leading manufacturer of dental instruments and infection prevention products. Our 10,000-plus products, hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans, are known for their precision, performance, longevity, reliability, and quality. To help dental professionals be The Best in Practice, HuFriedyGroup provides a unique combination of world class products, value-added services, clinical education, and dental community platforms that result in superior clinician performance and enhanced safety for dental professionals and their patients. Working at HuFriedyGroup is so much more than a job, as every employee has a part in driving and supporting the organization’s inspirational vision to be a global force in advancing dental performance through Best-In-Practice dentistry that improves lives around the world.

We are seeking a technically driven Operations Engineering Intern to support manufacturing performance, process optimization, and operational efficiency initiatives. This role bridges engineering and production, providing hands-on experience analyzing data, improving workflows, and supporting equipment and layout optimization within a manufacturing environment.

The intern will work directly with Engineering and Operations leaders to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct time studies and capacity analysis to identify process constraints
• Analyze production data (scrap, downtime, OEE, throughput) and develop improvement recommendations
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Assist in manufacturing layout improvements and workstation optimization
• Develop and update standard work, process documentation, and visual controls
• Support equipment validation, troubleshooting, and process verification
• Participate in Lean initiatives including 5S, value stream mapping, and waste reduction
• Assist with project tracking and engineering documentation

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar a plus)
• Comfortable working on the production floor
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally

Preferred:

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles
• Experience with data visualization or basic statistical analysis
• Familiarity with manufacturing equipment or CNC processes

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on engineering experience in a live manufacturing environment
• Direct exposure to process improvement and equipment optimization
• Opportunity to lead a measurable improvement project
• Mentorship from senior engineering and operations leaders

This is a full-time, onsite position. The role will be based at our Des Plaines, IL location.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility Statement
HuFriedyGroup is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you require reasonable accommodations to apply for a position, participate in the recruitment process, or perform essential job functions, please contact us at 773-868-5534. We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey with HuFriedyGroup!