Manufacturing Process Engineer Co-op Intern

When you work at Daktronics, you’ll be part of something amazing. We design, engineer, manufacture and support bold, eye-catching digital LED display technology and audio systems.

Our products bring excitement to professional, college and high school games. They attract customers for businesses around the world, and even provide direction for people as they travel, work and play.

As part of the Daktronics team, you’ll have interesting, impactful work with flexible opportunities. You can learn and grow at a company that provides competitive compensation and meaningful benefits – and the people are second to none.

Learn more About Daktronics!

When and where is this opportunity located?   

Positions located in Brookings, SD and Redwood Falls, MN. This position is open to candidates eligible to work in the U.S. 

Internship opportunities available:   

• 13 January 2025 to 08 August 2025
• 12 May 2025 to 12 December 2025
• If your university quarter/semester doesn’t end until after these dates, we may consider an alternate schedule. 
• Check out our Daktronics Internship Video. 

What will work look like for me?    

At Daktronics, you’ll experience challenging and meaningful work; you’ll have a mentor who will challenge you to find solutions, take initiative, and develop a strong understanding of Daktronics products, practices, and procedures. We will make sure you have the knowledge needed to be successful, but you will hit the ground running!   

Daktronics Manufacturing Process Engineer Interns will be a liaison between Manufacturing and Engineering.  You will gain valuable hands-on experience as you collaborate to problem solve the day-to-day issues within manufacturing processes and product.  

• Recommending process improvements to streamline product flow and be responsible for implementation of process improvements/lean manufacturing concepts.   
• Coordinating with Engineering on major product changes.   
• Overseeing implementation of incremental product improvements through Engineering Change (ECO) process suggestions and overall process improvement opportunities.   
• Assisting with construction of prototype cabinet designs to gather feedback and determine effectiveness.   
• Assist with the construction of workstations, gravity racks, carts, work aides and fixtures, gather feedback and determine effectiveness.   
• Develop concepts and ideas for tooling designs in Creo.   
• Fabricate prototypes using 3D printing capabilities, sheet metal forming, or other methods.   
• Work effectively as a team member, work with little supervision, help when and where needed, make suggestions for process and product improvement, communicate effectively with team members.     
• Be at work on time and maintain good attendance. Be willing to work additional hours as necessary.   
• Other duties as needed to assist manufacturing departments.   

Pay and perks:  

The typical hiring pay for this position is $21.00/hour to $23.00/hour. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including relevant education, experiences, location, and applicable local legislation. 

We also offer financial Relocation Assistance for positions that require placement in a specific location.   

This position will be eligible for company benefits including, employee discount program, employee assistance program, community donation program, unpaid time off, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, leaves, disability, and accommodations.   

This information is intended to be a general overview and may be modified by Daktronics due to factors affecting the business.   

Academic Requirements:  

• Candidate must be enrolled as a student and registered for at least 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate) at the time of application. 
• Preferred applicant would be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.  
• Preferred candidate would be of at least junior status in school.
  • Ability to take a semester off from school to complete the internship, if not a graduate. 
  • Ability to work through the Cooperative Education/Internship Program at your accredited university and Faculty Coordinator to arrange for credit while participating in this 7-month internship, as needed.
  • Students who will start the internship the semester immediately following undergraduate bachelor’s degree graduation will also be considered. 
• Only strong academic performers will be considered. Must maintain an acceptable GPA, preference to 3.0 or greater. 
• Unofficial transcripts or web transcripts must be submitted with application to be considered.  

Other Requirements:  

• Must be able to commit to 40 hours per week.  
• Computer software experience to include 2D and/or 3D CAD, with Creo preferred but not required.   
• Good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, self-motivation.  
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.  
• Ability to successfully participate as a member of a team.  
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.  
• Ability to learn quickly.  
• Ability to effectively exercise discretion and independent judgment.  
• Physical Requirements include the ability to:  
  • Operate automated equipment and/or hand tools.  
  • Work with or around odors (solder/paint/solvent/Manufacturing odors).  
  • Lift and carry up to 45lbs. and/or awkward items.   
  • Be able to stand for the full shift.  
• Ability to travel by air and ground. Valid driver’s license and good driving record.  Motor vehicle records will be checked. 
• Ability to meet all workplace safety requirements. 
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Daktronics does not sponsor, renew, or extend immigration visas for this position.

Daktronics is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetics, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or citizenship status. If you would like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.