Launch Engineer Intern

Job Description

Consider before submitting an application:     

This position is expected to start January or February 2027 and continue through fall term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

About the Team  

An intern on the Launch Engineering Team will work collaboratively with fast-paced, cross-functional teams to solve complex issues, set goals, track deliverables, and report out to leadership. Intern will coordinate and execute production line trials and critical validation builds, as well as manage cross-functional production launch activities, support pre-production builds and launch activities.  

The Launch Engineering team is responsible for supporting the development of new processes and carrying out each trial exactly to the established product specification. This includes managing the program from early prototype builds through to the launch of the production line. The primary role of the intern on this team will be to test and validate production systems and parts involved in product development and manufacturing to ensure products are of the highest quality. To support this, the intern will interface with cross-functional teams and follow-up on actionable items for the validation of new standards, development of testing protocols, drive new equipment start of production readiness, documenting  test results, and maintain records. The intern will collaborate with safety, design, product excellence, change control, manufacturing, production operations and service departments to ensure the completion of actionable items and successful implementation of new product design changes.  

Multiple Locations Possible: Austin, TX; Buffalo, NY; Fremont, CA; Lathrop, CA; Sparks, NV 

Job Responsibilities

• Organize manufacturing validation activities for new or revised products into the factory/factories  
• Ensure that manufacturing trials are well prepared, and manufacturing is restored to control condition after trials  
• Validate manufacturing processes to ensure product specifications and standards are achieved  
• Assist in root cause identification of failures/problems and assist in building all possible solutions  
• Provide updates in weekly program and executive reviews for project/program development and implementation status  
• Assist in troubleshooting of system operational issues related with validation and implementation or part design changes  
• Track project milestones including task duration and resource usage  
• Create reports showing critical path activities and schedules  
• Perform detailed analysis of problems and all possible solutions and review PFMEA and provide technical input in the review process  
• Ensure proper close-out of the entire project/program by driving and adequate handover with cross-functional teams, driving lessons learned sessions as needed, disposition any excess and obsolesce material   

Job Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Project Management or a related field  
• PMP, PMI certificates or experience in project management is helpful  
• Experience working with design, development and implementation of projects. Preference in the automotive industry or high speed automated manufacturing lines  
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate dynamic cross-functional projects with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing and test to meet project timelines  
• Proficient at risk and resources management  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with cross-functional stakeholders  
• Experience working in time critical and fast-paced product development  
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time  
• Strong process and continuous improvement mindset  
• Hands on and high energy level individual