Usability Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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US Valve is seeking a motivated, hands-on Engineering Intern to support tooling design, production efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives within our valve assembly operations. This role is designed for a student who wants real-world experience working directly on the shop floor while applying engineering fundamentals to manufacturing challenges.
The intern will contribute to multiple projects, including redesigning a seal-tapping tool, auditing production tooling and fixtures, supporting 5S tooling standardization, and conducting time studies to improve cycle times. These projects will provide exposure to product assembly, operator workflows, and lean manufacturing principles.
This is a project-based internship focused on practical learning, problem-solving, and ownership. The intern will be expected to manage defined workstreams, document findings, and present results to the Engineering team and Senior Leadership at the conclusion of the internship.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary Project Work (Core Focus)
Support tooling and process improvement efforts across valve assembly operations by:

• Design and improve a seal-tapping tool to increase durability and usability
• Observe production to understand tool usage and operator challenges
• Audit tooling and fixtures for condition, wear, and usage frequency
• Review failure history to identify high-risk tools
• Gather feedback from operators and maintenance teams
• Develop a prioritized list of tooling replacements and spare parts
• Support creation of a preventive maintenance (PM) tracking system
• Document required tools for each valve assembly (focus on DC valves)
• Help develop standardized toolboxes by valve size
• Conduct time studies to establish baseline cycle times
• Identify inefficiencies such as wasted motion and delays
• Recommend improvements to tooling, layout, and workflow
• Create simple visuals and summaries to communicate findings

Supporting Engineering Activities

• Create and edit CAD models, fixtures, or simple tooling concepts as needed
• Assist with prototype builds, testing, and validation of tooling improvements
• Support root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and shop floor problem-solving discussions
• Provide general project support across Manufacturing Engineering initiatives

PROJECT OUTCOME & EXPECTATIONS:
By the end of the internship, the successful candidate will:

• Deliver one or more implemented or validated tooling/process improvements
• Provide a documented audit of production tooling with prioritized recommendations
• Develop standardized tooling documentation and/or toolbox concepts
• Present time study results with clear opportunities for cycle time reduction
• Clearly document approaches, findings, and suggested next steps
• Present work and recommendations to the Engineering team and Senior Leadership

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR (SUCCESS PROFILE):
We are less focused on prior experience and more interested in how you approach problems and learn.
Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Curiosity about how things are built and how processes can be improved
• Willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to break down ambiguous problems into structured steps
• Application of basic engineering principles to real-world scenarios
• Strong observation skills and attention to detail
• Comfort engaging with operators, asking questions, and gathering feedback
• Clear communication of ideas, even when solutions are still being developed

This role is ideal for students who want to gain practical manufacturing experience and develop real engineering judgment through ownership of meaningful projects.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Meet one or more of the following criteria:
Current college student, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, who is enrolled and in good standing at a Maryland higher education institution.
Graduate (within 12 months) from a Maryland higher education institution.
Maryland resident, with a 2 or 4-year degree, who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a Reserve component of the Armed Forces within the last 18 months.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines. SolidWorks experience preferred
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or equivalent.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing duties of the job, the employee is required to move around and be still; use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee will occasionally lift up to 35 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office and shop floor working environment. Noise level is minimal with intervals of spikes. Required to wear safety glasses and utilize safety equipment while present on the shop floor. Occasional travel to customer or distributor locations for support or training may be required.
US Valve is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, US Valve will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.
Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?
Total Rewards
The starting compensation for this position is $20.00 per hour. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.
Benefits Package
Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/
IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at lfcareers@idexcorp.com for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.