Intern-Engineer-Leader Program

Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)

Intern-Engineer-Leader Program

We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion in the financial year 2023.

Your Role

This is not a traditional internship - you will participate in a structured, performance-based qualification program rooted in the Toyota Production System (TPS) designed to develop future engineers and leaders directly from operations.

Many of today's leaders at Huf started exactly here-on the shop floor, solving real problems.

• You will rotate through key operational areas in a 6-month, phase-based development program:

• Month 1 - TPS & Huf System Foundation: Learn and apply real production system principles

• Month 2 - Quality: Own defect analysis and solve issues using A3 / PDCA

• Month 3 - Operations: Improve stability, standard work, and shopfloor execution

• Month 4 - Supply Chain / Logistics: Address material flow, shortages, and system stability

• Month 5 - Engineering: Support and implement engineering changes

• Month 6 - Capstone & Hancho Qualification: Lead a cross-functional improvement project

• This program is not time-based-it is performance based; You will:

• Solve real problems with measurable impact

• Lead shop floor (Gemba) improvement initiatives

• Demonstrate ownership, discipline, and structured thinking

• Qualify through capability-based program gates

• Top performers may transition into Engineer I positions upon completion

Your Skills

• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field
• Strong analytical and structured thinking skills
• Willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment
• High level of ownership and accountability
• Resilience and problem-solving mindset
• Interest in Lean, TPS, and continuous improvement
• We are not looking for passive interns, we are looking for future leaders

What we offer

• Toyota Production System (TPS)-real application
• Problem solving using A3 / Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)
• Standard Work & process stability
• Lean concepts (flow, pull, waste elimination)
• Leadership fundamentals (Hancho concept, team guidance)
• How to drive improvement in a real manufacturing environment
• Structured TPS-based qualification program
• Real responsibility from Day 1
• Direct access to leadership and coaching
• Hands-on experience in Operations, Quality, Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Engineering
• Clear career path:

Intern Engineer I Leadership Track

• Full comprehensive health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spending account
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off

Huf celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.

Michelle Myers