Operations Intern

Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Intern (Summer 2026)

On-site in Palo Alto, CA and lead productivity and continuous improvement projects

At Microwave Power Products (MPP), we design and manufacture advanced RF and microwave technologies that power critical applications in defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Palo Alto, we're proud of our 70+ year history of innovation and precision engineering. In 2024, MPP joined TransDigm Group, gaining access to world-class resources while maintaining our high-impact, close-knit culture.

Internship Summary

Over the course of 8–12 weeks, you'll support MPP's Manufacturing Engineering and Operations teams on high-impact productivity, process improvement, and operational projects across our production environment. This internship is designed for adaptable, hands-on problem solvers who are excited to improve workflows, support automation initiatives, and contribute to projects that drive operational efficiency in a highly technical manufacturing setting.

Projects may include continuous improvement initiatives, production support, workflow optimization, project coordination, automation integration, visual management, or other evolving operational priorities based on business needs. Interns will gain broad exposure to engineering, manufacturing, and operations while working directly with cross-functional teams. The internship will conclude with a formal presentation to Operations and Engineering leadership, where the intern will share project outcomes, quantify business impact where possible, and propose next-step recommendations for future improvements.

Your Responsibilities

1. Productivity & Continuous Improvement Projects

• Support initiatives focused on improving manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and workflow execution.
• Assist with identifying process bottlenecks, waste reduction opportunities, and standardization efforts across operations.
• Help develop visual management tools, process documentation, and operational metrics that support continuous improvement activities.

2. Automation & Manufacturing Support

• Assist engineers with automation integration, equipment improvement projects, or manufacturing support initiatives.
• Support testing, troubleshooting, and implementation activities related to new tools, equipment, or production processes.
• Collect, organize, and analyze production or equipment performance data to support engineering and operational decision-making.

3. Operations Project Coordination

• Help coordinate operational projects by tracking action items, timelines, project updates, and cross-functional follow-through.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Production teams to support evolving business priorities and special projects.
• Develop and deliver a final internship presentation summarizing project objectives, accomplishments, measurable business impact, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements.

Your Takeaways

• Hands-on exposure to manufacturing engineering, operations, and continuous improvement in a high-mix, high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting real-world productivity, automation, and operational projects from planning through execution.
• Increased understanding of Lean Manufacturing, project coordination, process optimization, and manufacturing workflows.
• Opportunity to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, and production teams.
• Development of executive-level presentation skills through a final capstone presentation delivered to engineering and operations leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current student or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, Business Operations, or a related technical discipline.
• Interest in manufacturing operations, project management, automation, or process improvement.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in both office and production floor environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving project needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, process mapping, project coordination, CAD tools, or data analysis is a plus.

This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR). Access to certain controlled information may be limited to individuals who qualify as "U.S. persons" (generally U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals). Non-U.S. persons may still apply; however to be eligible for the role, access to controlled information may require U.S. government authorization.

Applicants must be able to comply with applicable export control requirements. For security clearance position, the candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance as required, holding a security clearance is a plus.

Work Environment / Schedule

• On-site at our Palo Alto facility.
• Daily collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Production teams.
• Exposure to both engineering office environments and active manufacturing operations.
• Standard weekday schedule with flexibility based on project milestones and operational priorities.

What We Offer

• Pay $25 to $30/hour depending on experience.
• Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing operations and productivity initiatives in a technically advanced environment.
• Exposure to continuous improvement methodologies, operational project coordination, and automation integration projects.
• Mentorship from experienced engineering and operations professionals.
• Opportunity to present project outcomes and recommendations to leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Our Workplace Commitment

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to MPP, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. MPP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone.

MPP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.