Industrial Engineer Intern

Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader

New trends and expectations are reshaping the automotive industry. Inspired by the exciting new challenges associated with this revolution, FORVIA anticipates the future of mobility developing cutting‑edge solutions for smart life on board and sustainable mobility. If you’re willing to contribute and create value for tomorrow’s cleaner and smarter mobility, FORVIA is the place to be.

FORVIA is looking for a year‑round Industrial Engineer Intern for its location in Simpsonville, KY.

The Industrial Engineering / Lean Manufacturing Intern supports plant operations by assisting with data‑driven process improvement projects on the production floor. This role is designed to provide hands‑on manufacturing experience through the application of basic Industrial Engineering and Lean Manufacturing principles while contributing measurable value to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

This internship aligns with FORVIA’s intent to develop early‑career talent through meaningful work, mentorship, and exposure to real manufacturing challenges.

• Spend time on the production floor observing operations, asking questions, and learning manufacturing processes.
• Assist with documenting current‑state processes, including:
  • Process flow diagrams
  • Work sequence and operator task breakdowns
  • Production layouts
• Perform time studies and basic work measurement under supervision.
• Support standard work development and updates.

• Time Study & Labor Analysis Project
  • Conduct time observations
  • Compare actual vs. standard times
  • Identify variability, waste, or balance opportunities
• Layout or Material Flow Improvement
  • Observe motion and material travel
  • Recommend simple layout or point‑of‑use improvements
• Waste Identification / Lean Observation
  • Identify non‑value‑added activities (waiting, motion, excess handling)
  • Propose practical, low‑cost improvement ideas
• Visual Management or Metrics Support
  • Assist with development or maintenance of production boards
  • Help summarize daily or weekly performance data

Projects will be scoped to match internship length and experience level.

• Collect and organize production data (output, downtime, scrap, labor, etc.).
• Use Excel or similar tools to summarize trends and present findings.
• Prepare simple presentations or reports explaining observations, data, and improvement recommendations.

• Communicate professionally with operators, supervisors, engineers, and managers.
• Participate in team meetings, improvement discussions, and plant activities as assigned.
• Learn basic problem‑solving methods through real applications.
• Maintain organized documentation of work and learning progress.

• Follow all plant safety rules, environmental requirements, and quality standards.
• Perform work in a way that supports operator safety and process stability.
• Immediately report any observed safety risks to supervision.

• Currently pursuing a degree in:
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
• Available to work a consistent hourly schedule based on plant needs.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing or process improvement concepts.
• Ability to work in a production environment (standing, walking, observing operations).
• Minimum 2.8 GPA

• Coursework or exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering tools.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, tables).
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn by doing.

• Curious and observant mindset
• Comfortable asking questions and engaging on the shop floor
• Organized and detail‑oriented
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Positive attitude toward hands‑on work

• Hourly role with defined responsibilities and learning objectives
• Direct supervision and mentoring from a Continuous Improvement Manager
• Exposure to real‑world manufacturing operations and improvement work
• Opportunity to complete at least one…