What are the responsibilities and job description for the Intern - Maintenance/Engineer position at Tenneco?
Job Description: Maintenance / Engineering Intern
Location: Tenneco – Blacksburg, Virginia
Department: Maintenance / Engineering
Reports To: Maintenance Manager / Engineering Manager
Position Summary
The Maintenance/Engineering Intern will support the Blacksburg facility by assisting with equipment reliability, preventative maintenance, and process improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on experience working alongside Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and support continuous improvement efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Location: Tenneco – Blacksburg, Virginia
Department: Maintenance / Engineering
Reports To: Maintenance Manager / Engineering Manager
Position Summary
The Maintenance/Engineering Intern will support the Blacksburg facility by assisting with equipment reliability, preventative maintenance, and process improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on experience working alongside Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and support continuous improvement efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in preventative and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability
- Support troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and automated systems on the production floor
- Help analyze downtime data and identify root causes of equipment failures
- Participate in continuous improvement (CI) initiatives focused on reducing breakdowns and increasing uptime
- Assist in developing and updating maintenance SOPs and work instructions
- Support equipment inspections, audits, and PM compliance tracking
- Work with Maintenance and Engineering teams on equipment upgrades, installations, and modifications
- Assist in tracking and organizing spare parts inventory and critical components
- Participate in safety initiatives, including LOTO procedures and safe work practices
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and EHS teams
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or related field
- Strong interest in manufacturing equipment, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Basic understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, or PLCs is a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to work in a hands-on, team-oriented environment
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting mindset
- Attention to detail
- Initiative and willingness to learn
- Strong communication and teamwork
- Safety-focused mindset
- Manufacturing plant environment with regular exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally
- Ability to bend, stoop, climb ladders, and work around machinery
- Ability to use hand tools and basic maintenance equipment
- Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments
- Typically 10–20 hours per week during school term; more during breaks
- Competitive hourly rate based on experience and education
- Hands-on experience with industrial equipment and maintenance systems
- Exposure to preventative maintenance programs, TPM, and CI tools
- Opportunity to work alongside maintenance technicians, engineers, and plant leadership