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Intern - Digital Manufacturing Operations Engineer (Summer 2027)

Plexus · Neenah, WI · $23.00–$27.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the most hands-on coding or systems project you've done. What did it do?

What they are checking: Whether they have built something real that worked, not just finished coursework assignments.

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new tool or system quickly for a project.

What they are checking: Whether they ramp up fast on unfamiliar software, since every factory runs its own mix of systems.

Tell me about a time you explained something technical to someone who wasn't technical.

What they are checking: Whether they can work with production staff and supervisors who need clear answers, not jargon.

What would you want to learn this summer about how a factory actually runs?

What they are checking: Whether they are curious about the manufacturing side, not only the software, which makes them more useful.

What would you do

An operator says the system won't let them scan a part into the next step. How would you troubleshoot?

What they are checking: Whether they check the obvious causes calmly, like routing, part status or permissions, before assuming a major failure.

You find a fix for a recurring issue, but changing the system might affect other lines. What would you do before making the change?

What they are checking: Whether they respect change control and testing rather than pushing a quick fix into a live production system.

About the work

In your own words, what does a digital manufacturing operations engineer keep running?

What they are checking: Whether they see the role as supporting the software and data systems that production depends on every shift.

How would you use SQL to find which work orders were held up at a particular station last week?

What they are checking: Whether they can think through tables, joins and filters for real production data instead of textbook examples.

Why might a contract manufacturer building medical and aerospace products care so much about tracking every serial number?

What they are checking: Whether they understand regulated customers need full traceability for recalls, audits and failure investigations.

What's one manual, repetitive task you've seen somewhere that you think could be automated? How would you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they naturally look for automation opportunities and can think through a practical approach.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Plexus.

About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision. When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world. With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth. Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com . Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. This is an internship position (Non-Exempt Salary); the hourly range is stated below. The rate offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Hourly Rate: $23 - $27/hr. OVERVIEW The role of the Digital Manufacturing Operations intern is to support the optimization and enhancement of manufacturing operations using advanced digital technologies. This role will apply tools such as automation, data analytics, and simulation to improve efficiency, quality, and agility in a high-volume production environment, directly contributing to real-world operational performance RESPONSIBILITIES • Analysis, development, and implementation of digital manufacturing solutions (e.g., automation scripts, data models, simulation scenarios). • Gather, clean, and analyze manufacturing data to identify process bottlenecks and potential improvements. Helps verify the effectiveness of newly implemented digital tools. • Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, logging findings, results, and procedures in accordance with quality and change management guidelines. • Complete project work to develop a foundational understanding of Plexus' Manufacturing processes, product requirements, and engineering specifications. • Gather practical experience utilizing specialized software, test equipment, and measurement tools necessary for project execution and verification. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Student working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field for the entire duration of internship. • Experience in Solidworks, AutoCAD, and Lean Sigma • Proficient in Google Applications PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Junior level status • GPA: 3.0 or higher is preferred • Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills • Strong communication skills This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at GHQ.TA@plexus.com . Please include your contact information and clearly describe how we can help you. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.

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