Engineering Intern

Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.   

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

The Engineering Intern will support the plant's resource assessment, design, and optimization of production equipment. The intern will gain hands-on experience in identifying lean manufacturing opportunities, designing process improvements, and implementing sustainable solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to enhance overall operational performance. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance teams to identify and prioritize projects aimed at improving process performance. 
• Contribute to the analysis of key performance indicators and plant metrics to find opportunities for improvement and verify the effectiveness of implemented solutions. 
• Learn and apply the fundamental tools and processes of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, etc.) to support process improvement projects. 
• Assist in driving continuous improvement (CI) efforts to optimize industrial processes and plant operations. 
• Participate in root cause analysis and work with multi-functional teams to implement solutions. 
• Help ensure SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are established to sustain process improvements. 
• Support the leadership team in designing and overseeing facility expansions, layouts, systems, and quality controls. 
• Assist in the research, design, and implementation of new manufacturing equipment, processes, and production flow. 
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, data gathering, analysis of blueprints, and project cost analysis. 
• Support the Facilities Engineering Manager on CAPEX projects, budgets, and project milestones. 
• Maintain all standards in accordance with company policies and procedures. 
• Regular attendance is required for the position. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must be currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or Process Engineering preferred). 
• Coursework or prior internship experience related to manufacturing or process improvement is a plus. 
• Basic understanding of CI tools such as Six Sigma, Total Quality, Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or other related methodologies is preferred. 
• Proficient in MS Office; familiarity with AutoCAD, ERP systems, and project management applications is a plus. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to work well in a team environment. 
• Basic knowledge of technical drawings and ability to read/understand diagrams (mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic) is preferred. 
• Ability to perform under pressure, prioritize tasks based on business needs, and demonstrate good organizational skills. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger; handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

• The position requires talking to employees, supervisors, managers, and outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to employees, supervisors, managers, and outside persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests; reading; composing written language; receiving verbal and written instructions.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 
• 1) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions. 
• 2) The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but ranges from minimal to relatively high.  Hearing protection is required in areas where the noise level is relatively high. 

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.