Industrial Engineering Internship Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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Job Title: Process Engineer - NA Rail Services                                             

Overall Purpose:

The Process Engineer - NA Rail Services role drives operational excellence, process standardization, and continuous improvement across North American Rail bearing reconditioning and assembly operations. As a member of the Rail Operations Manufacturing Engineering team, this position develops, optimizes, and sustains manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and technical standards that support safety, quality, productivity, and business objectives.

The role is also responsible for the design and development of proprietary manufacturing equipment, automation systems, fixtures, and machine enhancements used throughout Rail Services operations. Applying mechanical engineering and machine design principles, the position develops safe, maintainable, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions and supports projects through concept development, detailed design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and ongoing lifecycle support.

The Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations by assisting with equipment design, process improvement, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides an excellent opportunity for engineers to develop practical machine design and manufacturing engineering skills while working alongside experienced engineering and operations teams.

Success in this role requires strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, the ability to resolve complex manufacturing challenges using structured methodologies, and proficiency with engineering tools and business systems including CAD, SAP, Excel, and Timken's NPM process.

Key Responsibilities:

Machine Design & Documentation

• Design, document, develop, and maintain manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and automation systems using CAD platforms.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, BOMs, schematics, manuals, revisions, and technical records within SAP ECTR/PLM systems.

Equipment Lifecycle Management

• Support equipment projects from concept development through design, fabrication, testing, installation, commissioning, qualification, and lifecycle support.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the technical owner for manufacturing equipment and process solutions while supporting site and enterprise engineering initiatives.

Process & Equipment Improvement

• Drive process capability, reliability, repeatability, productivity, and cost improvements through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, testing, and implementation of corrective actions.

Technical/Functional Skills: 

• Process machine operations, basic machine shop operations, machine design/build, manual and automatic gauging, tool design/build, Ariba purchase requisitioning, OSHA safety familiarity as pertains to rail bearing processes
• Familiar with design fundamentals that include power transmission, machine elements, structural design, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, material handling systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Demonstrated interest in machine design, manufacturing equipment, automation, or industrial engineering through coursework, internships, co-ops, personal projects, or professional experience.
• Proficiency creating and managing 3D models, assemblies, detailed drawings, some GD&T, and engineering change documentation.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards including OSHA, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, risk assessments, lockout/tagout principles, and safeguarding methods.
• Familiar with specifying and integrating machine components including motors, gearboxes, bearings, actuators, sensors, controls interfaces, and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), FMEA, root cause analysis, and reliability-centered design principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiar with project management tools such as A3 forms, Project Tracker spreadsheets and MS Excel
• Proficient in English. Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working in a team environment

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 0-5 years of engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD software through coursework, internships, co-ops, projects, or professional employment.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing, automation, machine design, or industrial internship/co-op experience.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX, AutoCAD, SAP, or PLM systems.
• Exposure to manufacturing processes, machining, robotics, or automated equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Verbal & written communication
• May require prolonged periods of standing/walking
• Vision: Near/Distance/Color
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and hand tools
• Participation in hearing conversation program as required
• Operates powered equipment
• Periodic travel

Environmental Conditions: Frequent impact noise, seasonal heat.

Protective Clothing and Personal Devices: Safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, hearing protection

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.