Intern, Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Rochelle, IL

You may not know our name, but you know our products.  What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us.  Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern at Wheatland Tube (a division of Zekelman Industries), you will support projects that improve operational efficiency, productivity, and product quality across the plant. Working closely with the Department Manager, Maintenance and cross-functional departments, you'll assist in facility layout planning, process flow optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

We are seeking a student who is currently pursuing a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and has at least one academic year remaining before graduation following the internship. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with manufacturing systems, data analysis, and industrial engineering tools while building a foundation for future internship and career opportunities within Zekelman Industries.

This is a full-time, on-site internship located at our state-of-the-art, automated Rochelle, IL facility. The official Zekelman internship program runs from May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027.

This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, eager to optimize systems, and thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

What You’ll Do Plan and design layouts for plant efficiency using CAD tools and drafting software

Analyze workflows and material movement to generate scale drawings for optimal personnel and equipment placement

Establish and support labor standards using work measurement programs and time study analysis

Collect and analyze operational data to improve process effectiveness and plant layout

Lead or assist in continuous improvement projects to enhance quality, throughput, and cost savings

Develop and refine manufacturing processes, equipment functionality, and standard methods

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of net yield loss

Maintain and enhance documentation such as work instructions, routings, and blueprints

Analyze prime net yield and other performance indicators to support profitability initiatives

Conduct experiments to optimize operations and report findings to the management team

Promote and follow healthy and safe work practices in accordance with Zekelman policy

Perform other duties as assigned

Who You Are Current college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering

Strong analytical skills with a keen attention to detail

Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

CAD or drafting experience a plus (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)

Available to travel for the Internship Summit, hosted at a Zekelman Industries location

What You’ll Get Zekelman Industries offers a PAID internship experience with meaningful work, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Interns also enjoy:

Hands-on experience improving manufacturing operations and systems

Opportunities to work directly with operations, quality, and engineering teams

Access to company-wide networking events, team-building activities, and learning sessions

Regular feedback and mentorship to support your technical and career development

Participation in a company-wide Intern Summit

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.