Jobs › Plexus

Intern - Higher Level Assembly (HLA) Manufacturing Engineering (Summer 2027)

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

Posted Sep 3, 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 a hands-on project where you built something from several parts. What went wrong along the way?

What they are checking: Whether they have real build experience and learned from problems instead of describing only the finished result.

Tell me about a time you worked on a team project and someone wasn't pulling their weight.

What they are checking: Whether they address problems directly and keep the work moving rather than complaining or doing it all themselves.

What would you do

Operators keep making the same mistake at one assembly step. How would you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they go to the floor, watch the work and look at the instruction and fixture before blaming people.

An experienced operator suggests a better way to do a step than the one in the instruction. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they value floor knowledge while making sure any change goes through proper review and documentation.

About the work

What do you understand higher level assembly to mean, compared with building a circuit board?

What they are checking: Whether they know HLA means putting boards, cables and mechanical parts together into a full product or system.

How would you write a work instruction so a new operator could build a part correctly the first time?

What they are checking: Whether they think in clear steps, visuals and checkpoints that prevent errors, a core manufacturing engineering task.

What is a fixture, and how could a good one improve quality or speed on an assembly line?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how simple tooling holds parts in place and makes the right way the easy way.

Explain how you'd use something like a fishbone diagram or the five whys to solve a production problem.

What they are checking: Whether they know basic root cause tools and can apply them instead of jumping to the first explanation.

Plexus builds products like surgical systems and aerospace equipment. Why would a manufacturing engineer need to follow procedures strictly here?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that regulated products need documented, controlled changes, not quick fixes made on the fly.

Which CAD or design tools have you used, and what did you make with them?

What they are checking: Whether they can contribute to fixtures and layouts quickly, or will need time to ramp up on tools.

How would you measure whether an improvement you made on the line actually helped?

What they are checking: Whether they think about before and after data like cycle time, defects or rework rather than opinions.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Plexus from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

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 Higher Level Assembly (HLA) Manufacturing Engineering intern is committed to advancing production efficiency, streamlining data flow, and fostering ongoing enhancements within the manufacturing floor. Through collaborative problem-solving and cutting-edge methodologies, the engineering intern significantly contributes to Plexus's journey toward operational excellence. RESPONSIBILITIES • Develops manufacturing build processes for Higher Level Assemblies (HLA)/ Provide services that are high-quality, cost-appropriate, and satisfy the customer's requirements. • Utilizes appropriate tools and equipment to design fixtures and assembly aides and build in manufacturing quality checks. • Demonstrates a clear, discipline-specific understanding of the full Plexus Manufacturing processes/ Product Requirements & Specifications as it applies to their role. • Successfully executes responsibilities in adherence to Plexus' Manufacturing Processes • Produces comprehensive project documentation based on the needs of the project and in accordance with the quality and change management procedures and guidelines, as it applies to their role. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Student working towards a Bachelor’s degree Electrical or Mechanical Engineering program for the entire duration of internship. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Intermediate Computer Skills • Intermediate Decision Making, Problem Solving Skills • Intermediate Verbal and Written Communications Skills • Strong Analytical and statistical analysis Skills; Statistical Process Control Software Skills • CAD Design skills - Solidworks preferred, but not required • Proactive and ability to work in a Cross-Discipline team environment • Ability to develop good working relationships with team members and customers • Lab tool/ test/measurement equipment experience preferred Physical Requirements: • N/A Travel Requirements: • N/A 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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