Operations Intern

Title: Operations Intern

About HPF: Houston Precision Fasteners produces high strength, fatigue rated, close tolerance fasteners using materials such as carbon steel, alloy steel, nickel alloy, titanium, waspaloy, A-286, monel and multiphase. Our fasteners have supported mission aircrafts such as; Joint Strike Fighters, F/A 18 Super Hornet, and Falcon 9; just to name a few. We are dedicated to providing a superior product to our customers. 

Job purpose: The Operations Intern will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is designed to provide exposure to the full production lifecycle, from raw material intake to final quality inspection. You will work alongside experienced engineers and operators to support operational excellence, process improvement, and production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in analyzing production workflows to identify bottlenecks and implement Lean manufacturing principles (5S, waste reduction).
• Collaborate with the CNC machining, forging, and thread rolling departments to ensure jobs are moving through the shop floor according to schedule.
• Support the Quality Control team in documenting inspections (Dye Penetrant, Magnetic Particle) and ensuring adherence to AS9100 standards.
• Assist in creating or updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and production logs.
• Collect and analyze data on cycle times, scrap rates, and machine downtime to support management’s decision-making.
• Assist with tracking raw material alloys (Titanium, Stainless Steel) and finished goods inventory.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or completed bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Currently pursuing or completed associate’s degree in CNC Machining, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (strong Excel skills required):
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks or AutoCAD) is a plus.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, heat treating, etc.).
•  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities:
• Ability to communicate effectively with both shop floor personnel and executive leadership.
• A "safety-first" mindset and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements & Environment:

• Must be able to work in a shop floor environment which may be loud and experience temperature fluctuations.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, closed-toe shoes/ steel-toed boots, and ear protection.
• Due to the nature of our aerospace and defense contracts, candidates must be U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Note: This paid internship offers a unique opportunity to see "all processes in-house," providing a comprehensive view of how complex aerospace components are built from start to finish.

Employee Acknowledgement:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by HPF employees. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. 

Due to nature of defense contracts, US Citizenship is a requirement. 

As part of our Drug and Alcohol Policy, upon acceptance of any offer of employment, employment will be conditional of passing a required drug.  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities