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Manufacturing Internships Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sales Intern

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... Manufacturing, you'll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced sales professionals while contributing to real projects that support business growth. This internship offers exposure to ...

Manufacturing Engineer Intern

Pella, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Internship Travel Required: 0-15% Revision Date: August 19, 2026 Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager PURPOSE OF POSITION Provide college-level students an opportunity to gain hands-on ...

New

Sales Internship

Nodaway, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Interns will be paired with a mentor based on their interests, strengths, and where they are the ... Shadow and learn from the feed merchandising team how feed is sourced, manufactured, scheduled, and ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Manufacturing Internships information

What is a manufacturing internship?

Manufacturing internships are temporary positions offered to students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the manufacturing industry. These internships provide hands-on training in areas such as production processes, quality control, supply chain management, and engineering. Interns often work alongside experienced professionals, learning about the latest technologies and best practices in manufacturing. The goal is to help interns develop relevant skills, explore career paths, and enhance their employability in the manufacturing sector.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a manufacturing internship?

As a manufacturing intern, you'll likely gain hands-on experience by assisting with process improvements, quality control, equipment maintenance, and data analysis. Interns often work alongside engineers and production teams to help identify inefficiencies, implement lean manufacturing principles, and support daily operations on the shop floor. You may also be assigned specific projects, such as optimizing workflow or supporting the rollout of new technologies. This exposure helps you develop practical skills and understand real-world manufacturing challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in manufacturing internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Manufacturing Internships, candidates typically need foundational knowledge in engineering or industrial processes, often gained through current enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with CAD software, basic manufacturing equipment, and quality control systems is usually expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help interns stand out in dynamic production environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for learning quickly, contributing to process improvements, and ensuring safety and efficiency on the manufacturing floor.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Internships vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectManufacturing InternshipsManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduates of technical or engineering programsPost-secondary technical certifications or associate degrees often required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, educational, and training-focused settings within manufacturing facilitiesOperational, hands-on roles in manufacturing plants, involving equipment and process management
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs offered by manufacturing companies for training and developmentFull-time or part-time roles for skilled workers maintaining production processes

Manufacturing Internships are primarily educational opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain industry experience, while Manufacturing Technicians are skilled workers responsible for maintaining and operating manufacturing equipment. Internships serve as a stepping stone into the industry, whereas technicians perform ongoing operational tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Internships jobs in Iowa?

For Manufacturing Internships jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Manufacturing Internships jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Manufacturing Internships job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Internships job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Internship, 61% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution.

Manufacturing Excellence (Continuous Improvement) Management Development Associate

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA

Davenport, IA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness-We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.
For more than 30 years, our Management Development Associate program has developed our future leaders. As a management Development Associate, you will embark on a personal and professional development experience a classroom simply can't offer.
As a Manufacturing Excellence Management Development Associate at Nestlé Purina, we will coach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. Together, we'll explore quality assurance, safety, supply chain, engineering, human resources, production, R&D engineering, information systems, and operations performance to understand how each of these areas contribute to and impact manufacturing excellence. You'll also gain experience in driving operational improvement projects as well as working on cross-functional teams to focus on making sustainable gains in reliability, quality, safety, cost, and delivery.
Why choose a leadership developmental role with us? It's a full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotational component of the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocation assistance package, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building your network, and launching your career.
  • Discover a variety of field concepts, practices, and procedures that will allow you to rely on experience and discernment to plan and accomplish your goals
  • Analyze given data and operating conditions; implement changes and follow-up on results by involving key stakeholders (i.e., sponsor, process owner, operator)
  • Develop strategies to reduce material usages, material losses, and work to achieve energy savings
  • Plan methods to improve efficiency in production
  • Maintain compliance with approved methods and quality standards
  • Support business innovation and renovation efforts

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Management or related discipline attained or expected by June 2027
  • Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestlé Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program
  • You will start your rotation for this Manufacturing Excellence MDA role at one of the following Nestlé Purina factories: Bloomfield, Missouri; Crete, Nebraska; or Davenport, Iowa

OTHER
  • Prior internship, co-op, practicum or manufacturing experience preferred
  • Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
The starting pay for this position is $85,000 per year. Please note that the pay provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location.
Don't meet all the qualifications listed under "other"? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestlé Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.
Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com).
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 415320
Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness-We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.
For more than 30 years, our Management Development Associate program has developed our future leaders. As a management Development Associate, you will embark on a personal and professional development experience a classroom simply can't offer.
As a Manufacturing Excellence Management Development Associate at Nestlé Purina, we will coach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. Together, we'll explore quality assurance, safety, supply chain, engineering, human resources, production, R&D engineering, information systems, and operations performance to understand how each of these areas contribute to and impact manufacturing excellence. You'll also gain experience in driving operational improvement projects as well as working on cross-functional teams to focus on making sustainable gains in reliability, quality, safety, cost, and delivery.
Why choose a leadership developmental role with us? It's a full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotational component of the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocation assistance package, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building your network, and launching your career.
  • Discover a variety of field concepts, practices, and procedures that will allow you to rely on experience and discernment to plan and accomplish your goals
  • Analyze given data and operating conditions; implement changes and follow-up on results by involving key stakeholders (i.e., sponsor, process owner, operator)
  • Develop strategies to reduce material usages, material losses, and work to achieve energy savings
  • Plan methods to improve efficiency in production
  • Maintain compliance with approved methods and quality standards
  • Support business innovation and renovation efforts

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Management or related discipline attained or expected by June 2027
  • Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestlé Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program
  • You will start your rotation for this Manufacturing Excellence MDA role at one of the following Nestlé Purina factories: Bloomfield, Missouri; Crete, Nebraska; or Davenport, Iowa

OTHER
  • Prior internship, co-op, practicum or manufacturing experience preferred
  • Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
The starting pay for this position is $85,000 per year. Please note that the pay provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location.
Don't meet all the qualifications listed under "other"? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestlé Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.
Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com).
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 415320