Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Owatonna, MN

Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

The Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Internship Program 2027 is designed to provide meaningful, hands‑on experience that supports both professional development and business impact. Successful interns will work on challenging projects aligned with their academic background, receive ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals, and gain exposure to quality systems, manufacturing processes, and operational excellence initiatives. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to support product quality, process improvements, and data‑driven decision‑making.

This internship is based in Owatonna, Minnesota. Interns are expected to work fully on-site throughout the program.

Approximately 12 weeks, Summer 2027

• Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with data collection, inspection activities, documentation, and analysis of manufacturing quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by gathering information, tracking action items, and helping develop data visualizations and reports.
• Participate in manufacturing floor audits, incoming inspections, first-article inspections, and other quality assurance activities while learning our products and processes.
• Assist with root cause investigations and problem‑solving activities to support product quality and operational performance.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and other tools to organize data, identify trends, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Support quality documentation, process audits, and compliance activities to help maintain high manufacturing standards.
• Participate in a 12‑week cross-functional summer improvement project under the guidance of the Quality team and present project results and recommendations to leadership.
• Attend team meetings and project reviews to gain exposure to manufacturing operations and quality management processes.

• Currently enrolled in a full‑time bachelor’s degree program in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Technology, Quality Management, or a related technical field, with an expected graduation date in 2028 or 2029.
• Strong academic standing preferred, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
• Must reside near Owatonna, Minnesota.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Basic familiarity with quality systems, continuous improvement methodologies, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma concepts through coursework, projects, or related experiences.
• General awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and an interest in learning how AI can support data analysis, problem‑solving, quality improvements, and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrate initiative, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Hands‑on experience in Manufacturing Quality
• Exposure to manufacturing operations, inspection processes, auditing activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects that directly impact product quality and operational performance.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced Quality and Manufacturing professionals.
• Networking opportunities with leaders and cross‑functional business partners.
• Professional development through project work,…