Operations Summer Intern - Operations/Production Planning

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

This position is for students looking for engineering opportunities for Summer 2026. As a student in Production Planning, you will be exposed to a broad range of technical challenges where you can apply your knowledge as well as learn new skills while seeing how problems of national interest are solved. Your experience can range from applying engineering principles and best practices to lead process improvements to designing layouts and completing time studies on the manufacturing floor. While working under guidance, you will lead data-driven decision-making and new production initiatives. You will work directly with engineering, operations, and leadership teams to optimize manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and support the launch of new production lines. This is a great opportunity for someone energetic and process-driven who wants real plant exposure, ownership, and strong career growth. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other teams such as materials management or metrology. Assignments are designed to develop a practical knowledge of processes, procedures, facilities, and systems. Assignments will also provide an opportunity to develop valuable networking connections which will help prepare and develop your skills for future career opportunities. Actual project tasks will depend on immediate program priorities. Job Description Duties/Responsibilities

• Document scheduling procedures, update standard operating procedures (SOPs), and support schedule reporting for leadership.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to streamline scheduling workflows, planning tools, and communication processes
• Assist in building, updating, and maintaining daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on manufacturing capacity, material availability, and demand priorities.
• Analyze production data, historical performance, and capacity constraints to support schedule accuracy and feasibility.
• Conduct time studies and data analysis to uncover bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with supply chain to optimize material flow.
• Analyze and improve business processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency
• Process development
• Continuous improvement
• Other duties as required

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities Design, develop, and enhancement engineering solutions for challenging problems. Implement, test, perform analysis, and provide documentation support. Generate and present test reports including plots, tables, evaluation criteria, and conclusions from data collected and analyzed throughout the test process. Complete assignments designed to develop a practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems as well as their interrelationships within engineering disciplines. Performs other duties as assigned. Program Requirements Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program required. There is flexibility regarding hours and program duration based on applicant's school schedule and availability. Skills/Abilities Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent work ethic with the ability to work independently or in a team environment. Ability to adapt to ever-changing environments, risks, and vulnerabilities. Strong computer skills including MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Additional Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

College student in Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field Must be a US citizen and enrolled in an accredited Engineering curriculum Relocation assistance is not available for internship positions. This position and/or the facilities in which its duties will be performed are subject to national security programs imposed and administered under U.S. statutes. Therefore, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(g), this position is restricted to U.S. Citizens, and applicants with dual citizenship may not be considered. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location

• City:

  Cambridge Job Location

• State:

  Massachusetts Job Location

• Postal Code:

  02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $20.00
• $45.

00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com. We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.