Manufacturing Engineering Intern

Manufacturing Engineering Intern
DECA Manufacturing – Lexington, Ohio www.decamanufacturing.com
 

Position Type: Summer Internship 

(Full-time, 40 hours/week, 6:30AM-3:00PM M-F)
Pay Rate: $19–$21 per hour (depending on experience and year in program)
Dates: Approximately May 18 – August 7, 2026 (flexible start/end dates possible based on academic schedule)
Location: On-site at 300 S. Mill Street, Lexington, OH 44904
 

DECA Manufacturing is a growing, ISO-certified contract manufacturer specializing in custom wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and electro-mechanical builds for industries including automotive, aerospace, military, and more. We’re looking for a motivated engineering technology student to join our team for a hands-on summer internship that delivers real impact on our manufacturing operations.
About the Internship
 

This is a project-based internship designed to give you broad exposure to manufacturing engineering in a wire harness production environment. You’ll work directly with process, quality, and production teams on meaningful initiatives that improve efficiency, quality, tooling organization, and data systems. Expect a mix of shop-floor observation, data analysis, documentation, and hands-on improvement work.
 

You will gain practical experience in lean manufacturing, process improvement, quality systems, ERP utilization, and mechanical design — all while contributing to tangible plant improvements and having direct interaction with senior leadership.
 

Key Projects & Responsibilities
 

You will support and lead portions of the following interconnected projects (prioritized and scoped for a 10–12 week summer):
 

• Process Mapping & Flow/Bottleneck Analysis — Shadow the full wire harness production process (wire prep, crimping, formboard assembly, bundling, testing, inspection) and create detailed process maps to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.
 

• Tooling Program Development— Catalog tools and die sets, work together with leadership to design/implement a physical tool crib with formatted locations and check-out procedures, scrub and standardize tooling data, then load the updated library into our ERP system.
 

• Implement Digital Labor Tracking and Capture Data in ERP Dashboard - Help roll out labor tracking functionality in our new ERP system, review resulting data, pipe data into canned dashboards and ensure useful outputs, and summarize productivity improvement opportunities.
 

• Calibration/PM Program – Build upon our existing instrument calibration tracking program using our calibration tracking software, to capture a more comprehensive list and while developing preventative maintenance calendar to add for our equipment and facility based on equipment specs and facility best practices and stakeholder input.
 

• Support Continuous Improvement Projects — Engage in the development of simple fixtures, jigs, and other error-proofing related devices; support 5S implementation efforts; and use problem solving skills to support root cause other issues that may arise or to make operations more resilient.
Internship Structure (approximate):
 

• Weeks 1–2: Onboarding, safety training, plant familiarization, and initial process mapping/tooling inventory.
 

• Weeks 3–7: Deep execution on core projects (tooling, calibration/quality, labor database, etc).
 

• Weeks 8–10: Integration, pilots, and refinement of improvements.
 

• Weeks 11–12: Documentation, training hand-off, and final presentation to leadership.
What We’re Looking For
 

• Currently enrolled as a 3rd- or 4th-year student in the B.S. Engineering Technology program at Ohio State University Mansfield (or a closely related engineering technology or manufacturing engineering program).
 

• Strong interest in hands-on manufacturing, process improvement, quality, and data-driven problem solving.

• Critical thinking skills and the ability to look steps ahead and to then reason back to make robust decisions.
• Comfort working with Excel (or basic data tools) and a willingness to learn ERP systems.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working on the shop floor (safety shoes and basic PPE required).
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently as well as with operators and engineers.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and eager to make a real contribution.
 

No prior wire harness experience required — we will provide training and supervision.
 

What You’ll Gain
• Real-world manufacturing engineering experience in a growing local company.
• Exposure to lean principles, quality standards (e.g., IPC/WHMA-A-620), tooling management, and ERP systems.
• A portfolio of completed projects (process maps, databases, fixtures, presentations) to strengthen your resume.
• Mentorship from experienced manufacturing and engineering staff.
• Potential for continued employment with DECA Manufacturing after the internship on a full-time or part-time basis (based on performance and business needs).
 

Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter (or paragraph) explaining why you’re interested in this internship and what you hope to contribute/learn. Applications can be sent to cameron@decamanufacturing.com or via OSU Mansfield career services – whatever method you prefer.

Application Deadline: Open until filled. Early applications encouraged.
DECA Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are committed to providing a safe, drug-free workplace and maintaining a harassment-free environment.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening (where applicable). Safety is our top priority — candidates must be able to wear required PPE and follow all plant safety protocols.
 

We look forward to hearing from you!