Industrial Engineering Intern

Model Z is looking for an Industrial Engineering Intern to join our team!

The Industrial Engineering Intern - Manufacturing will support Model/Z manufacturing operations with a focus on production efficiency, process improvement, and manufacturing optimization. The intern will work closely with production, manufacturing engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to analyze manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks and waste, improve production flow, and develop data-driven solutions that improve safety, quality, delivery and cost.

This role is ideal for an Industrial Engineering student interested in applying lean manufacturing, time studies, capacity analysis, line balancing, standard work, process mapping, and production data analysis in a high- quality manufacturing environment.

As we continue to grow production, the Industrial Engineering Intern will assist with manufacturing planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and day-to-day activities that support our production teams in meeting throughput goals and improving overall efficiency.

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on manufacturing experience while contributing to Model/Z's broader mission of helping reduce the cost of housing in California.

PAY RATE: $23 PER HOUR

SCHEDULE: 6:00 AM TO 4:30 PM MONDAY-THURSDAY (ONSITE)

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Model/Z is a trailblazing enterprise focused on reinventing multifamily housing through the development of standardized, modular units. Our mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, and net-zero-ready housing solutions that are both scalable and practical, aiming to significantly mitigate homelessness and enhance living conditions for underrepresented communities. As a majority Black-owned and operated business based in Southern California, Model/Z is poised to establish the first standardized modular housing factory in the region.

Located in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, Model/Z is committed to revitalizing communities by employing local community members and paying living wages. Our innovative approach revolutionizes construction, transforming a traditional linear process into a parallel manufacturing system that allows us to build high-quality apartment homes in a factory before the concrete is even poured on-site. By empowering Black and Brown families and institutions and unlocking the value of underutilized land, Model/Z embodies a model of equitable growth, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Southern California and beyond.

Requirements

ESASENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist the Manufacturing Engineers with establishing manufacturing and business practices and processes necessary to move fast while still producing high-quality products.
• Assist the Manufacturing Engineers as they manage assemblies and their child components from design release through prototyping and production- lay out the build and test flow to ensure an efficient, high-quality product flow capable of scaling over time.
• Assist the Manufacturing Engineers with the test activities through design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, build and test work order creation, and specification authoring.
• Help to develop detailed work instructions, plan and manage manufacturing routings workflows in the MES system.
• Participate in the design of tools, jigs, and fixtures as required to improve process speed and quality.
• Assist the Manufacturing Engineers with time and process studies to evaluate work content, establish standards, and labor requirements.
• Support the shop floor and production personnel through responsive issue resolution and provide upstream feedback.
• Develop strong working relationships with Product Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Production teams to ensure all company objectives can be met.
• Complete other tasks and projects assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering ( Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing)
• Systems Engineering, Operations Engineering, or a closely related field. Industrial Engineering strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD preferred

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experience with AutoCAD or similar layout tools is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, formulas, charts, and PivotTables; Power BI experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an interest in manufacturing systems and process improvement.
• Ability to collect, organize, and analyze production data and translate results into actionable recommendations.
• Coursework or project experience involving time studies, capacity planning, line balancing, process mapping, facility layout, operations research, or statistical analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Model/Z offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At Model/Z, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.