Part Time Mechanical Engineering Intern Jobs in Iowa

Industrial Engineering Intern, Operations | Fall 2026

Apply Your Skills to Real Operational Challenges

2nd Adventure Services/Brownells is seeking an Industrial Engineering Intern for fall 2026 to support meaningful process improvement work across our manufacturing and fulfillment operations.

This paid, part-time, 10-week internship is ideal for a junior or senior student interested in industrial engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, operations, or continuous improvement. You will work alongside operations leaders, business analysts, and front-line teams to observe processes, analyze data, improve documentation, and recommend practical solutions. The part-time schedule can be arranged around class commitments, with onsite hours generally consolidated into two or three workdays per week.

Depending on business needs, candidate interests, and the number of interns selected, the internship may focus on one or both of the following areas:

What You Will Do

Manufacturing and BOM Improvement

• Review and refresh Bills of Materials
• Observe assembly processes and validate work instructions
• Verify component quantities, sequencing, routings, and labor content
• Update BOM and routing information in Infor M3
• Identify opportunities to simplify and standardize assembly processes
• Document findings and improvement recommendations

Fulfillment Process Engineering

• Observe warehouse processes across receiving, inventory, fulfillment, shipping, returns, and value-added services
• Interview associates and supervisors to understand current workflows
• Create process maps, standard work, and standard operating procedures
• Conduct time studies and identify waste using Lean principles
• Analyze data to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities
• Support layout, slotting, labor-efficiency, and continuous improvement projects

You will summarize your work and present recommendations to operations leadership.

What You Will Need

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, engineering technology, supply chain management, operations management, or a related field
• Junior or senior standing preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, charts, and pivot tables
• Familiarity with process mapping, data analysis, technical writing, Lean principles, or continuous improvement
• Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with employees across the organization

Experience with ERP systems, BOMs, time studies, warehouse or manufacturing operations, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or AutoCAD is helpful but not required.

Internship Details

• Pay: $20.00 per hour
• Dates: September 14 through November 20, 2026
• Schedule: 15 to 25 hours per week, generally consolidated into two or three workdays around class commitments
• Work arrangement: Primarily onsite, with limited remote work potentially available for documentation, analysis, and report writing after sufficient operational knowledge has been developed
• Location: Grinnell, Iowa, with occasional scheduled work at our Montezuma facility
• Applications: Applications will be reviewed as received until the internship is filled

Students may apply for the fall term without committing to future internships. Strong-performing interns may be considered for spring or summer 2027 opportunities based on business needs and availability.

How to Apply

Submit a current resume highlighting your education, expected graduation date, relevant coursework, technical skills, class projects, and work experience. A cover letter and transcript are not required.

Applications will be reviewed as received, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Work Environment

This internship includes frequent walking and periods of standing in active warehouse and manufacturing environments. Interns may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and must follow all safety requirements while working around forklifts, conveyors, and operational equipment.

Reliable transportation is required for occasional work between Grinnell and Montezuma. Mileage and commuting expenses are not reimbursed.

Join 2nd Adventure/Brownells

At 2nd Adventure, the shared-services organization supporting Brownells and our broader family of companies, you will work with experienced leaders, build practical skills, and contribute ideas that improve efficiency, standardization, and the way work gets done.

Permanent U.S. work authorization is required. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. In addition, the employer may consider whether the individual applying for or holding the position is qualified. There are two steps involved in this determination. The first concerns whether the applicant or current employee satisfies the prerequisites for the position. The second step involves whether or not the person can perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Brownells’ Privacy Policy Statement (“Policy”) can be reviewed here: https://www.brownells.com/help/legal/privacy-policy/

Brownells’ California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) Recruitment Disclosure can be reviewed here: https://www.brownells.com/help/legal/california-recruitment-disclosures/