Industrial Engineer Intern

Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader

New trends and expectations are reshaping the automotive industry. Inspired by the exciting new challenges associated with this revolution, FORVIA anticipates the future of mobility developing cutting-edge solutions for smart life on board and sustainable mobility. If you’re willing to contribute and create value for tomorrow’s cleaner and smarter mobility, FORVIA is the place to be.

FORVIA is looking for a year-round Industrial Engineer Intern for its location in Simpsonville, KY.

Your mission, roles and responsibilities

Purpose of the Internship

The Industrial Engineering / Lean Manufacturing Intern supports plant operations by assisting with data‑driven process improvement projects on the production floor. This role is designed to provide hands‑on manufacturing experience through the application of basic Industrial Engineering and Lean Manufacturing principles while contributing measurable value to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

This internship aligns with FORVIA’s intent to develop early‑career talent through meaningful work, mentorship, and exposure to real manufacturing challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

Production & Process Support

• Spend time on the production floor observing operations, asking questions, and learning manufacturing processes.
• Assist with documenting current‑state processes, including:
  • Process flow diagrams
  • Work sequence and operator task breakdowns
  • Production layouts
• Perform time studies and basic work measurement under supervision.
• Support standard work development and updates.

Improvement Projects (Examples)

The intern may support or lead individual improvement activities such as:

• Time Study & Labor Analysis Project
  • Conduct time observations
  • Compare actual vs. standard times
  • Identify variability, waste, or balance opportunities
• Layout or Material Flow Improvement
  • Observe motion and material travel
  • Recommend simple layout or point‑of‑use improvements
• Waste Identification / Lean Observation
  • Identify non‑value‑added activities (waiting, motion, excess handling)
  • Propose practical, low‑cost improvement ideas
• Visual Management or Metrics Support
  • Assist with development or maintenance of production boards
  • Help summarize daily or weekly performance data

Projects will be scoped to match internship length and experience level.

Data & Analysis

• Collect and organize production data (output, downtime, scrap, labor, etc.).
• Use Excel or similar tools to summarize trends and present findings.
• Prepare simple presentations or reports explaining observations, data, and improvement recommendations.

Team & Professional Development

• Communicate professionally with operators, supervisors, engineers, and managers.
• Participate in team meetings, improvement discussions, and plant activities as assigned.
• Learn basic problem‑solving methods through real applications.
• Maintain organized documentation of work and learning progress.

Safety & Standards

• Follow all plant safety rules, environmental requirements, and quality standards.
• Perform work in a way that supports operator safety and process stability.
• Immediately report any observed safety risks to supervision.

Your profile and competencies to succeed

Qualifications

Required

• Currently pursuing a degree in:
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
• Available to work a consistent hourly schedule based on plant needs.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing or process improvement concepts.
• Ability to work in a production environment (standing, walking, observing operations).
• Minimum 2.8 GPA

Preferred

• Coursework or exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering tools.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, tables).
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn by doing.

Key Skills & Traits

• Curious and observant mindset
• Comfortable asking questions and engaging on the shop floor
• Organized and detail‑oriented
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Positive attitude toward hands‑on work

Internship Structure (FORVIA‑Aligned)

• Hourly role with defined responsibilities and learning objectives
• Direct supervision and mentoring from a Continuous Improvement Manager
• Exposure to real‑world manufacturing operations and improvement work
• Opportunity to complete at least one defined improvement project during the internship

What we can do for you

• At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.  
• We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development. 
• We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count. 
• We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility.  Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world) 
• We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans. 
• Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Three principles guide our action: use less, use better and use longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy. 

Why join us

FORVIA, a global automotive technology supplier, comprises the complementary technology and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA.

With over 137 500 people, including more than 12,000 R&D engineers across 40+ countries, FORVIA provides a unique and comprehensive approach to the automotive challenges of today and tomorrow. Composed of 6 business groups and a strong IP portfolio of over 12,400 patents, FORVIA is focused on becoming the preferred innovation and integration partner for OEMs worldwide.

In 2025, the Group achieved a consolidated revenue of 26.2 billion euros prior to IFRS 5. FORVIA SE is listed on the Euronext Paris market under the FRVIA mnemonic code and is a component of the SBF 120 index.

FORVIA aims to be a change maker committed to foreseeing and making the mobility transformation happen. www.forvia.com