1st Shift Maintenance Intern (Downtime Data Collection)

1st Shift Maintenance Intern (Downtime Data Collection) Location: Gastonia, NC 28056 Pay: Starting at $20.00 per hour Schedule: Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Job Type: Paid Internship | Full-Time Shift: 1st Shift Experience Level: Entry-Level / Internship Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial Maintenance / Metal Fabrication Position Summary We are seeking a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented 1st Shift Maintenance Intern (Downtime Data Collection) to support the maintenance and production departments at a busy metal manufacturing facility in Gastonia, NC.

This entry-level opportunity is designed for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in industrial maintenance operations, manufacturing processes, equipment performance monitoring, and data analysis. The primary responsibility of this position is to collect, record, organize, and analyze equipment downtime information to help the maintenance team identify recurring machinery issues, improve equipment reliability, and minimize production interruptions.

The Maintenance Intern will work closely with maintenance technicians, production supervisors, and machine operators to gather information about equipment stoppages, repair activities, and machine performance. Previous industrial maintenance experience is not required. Training and guidance will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Downtime Monitoring & Data Collection Monitor and document equipment downtime throughout assigned manufacturing departments. Collect accurate information regarding machinery breakdowns, production interruptions, and equipment stoppages. Record downtime starts times, end times, total duration, and reported reasons for interruptions.

Gather equipment downtime information from machine operators, maintenance technicians, and production supervisors. Identify and document common causes of downtime, including mechanical issues, electrical problems, equipment adjustments, tooling problems, and material-related delays. Maintain accurate daily records of equipment downtime and machine availability.

Track recurring machine issues and communicate findings to maintenance supervisors. Organize downtime information by equipment type, department, and shift. Verify that collected information is complete and accurate before entering it into reporting systems. Maintenance Department Support Assist maintenance technicians with documenting equipment issues, completed repairs, and maintenance activities.

Help maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment logs, and service documentation. Observe maintenance and troubleshooting procedures to gain an understanding of industrial machinery. Assist with tracking preventive maintenance activities and maintenance work orders. Document equipment conditions and report potential maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel.

Support the organization of equipment service records, maintenance schedules, and inspection documentation. Assist the maintenance team with assigned projects and administrative tasks. Learn how maintenance operations contribute to equipment reliability and manufacturing productivity. Data Entry, Reporting & Documentation Enter downtime information into Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets, or designated manufacturing tracking software.

Maintain accurate and organized daily downtime reports. Assist with preparing weekly summaries of equipment performance and production interruptions. Review downtime data to identify repeated equipment issues or unusual patterns. Calculate total downtime minutes or hours for individual machines and production departments.

Assist with maintaining maintenance-related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Organize and update spreadsheets used to track machine stoppages, maintenance response times, and equipment availability. Report incomplete or inconsistent information to supervisors for clarification. Help prepare basic charts, tables, and summaries to support maintenance discussions and improvement initiatives.

Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement Learn the basic functions of manufacturing machinery, including press brakes, CNC equipment, welding machinery, laser cutting equipment, and other industrial production systems. Observe how equipment downtime affects manufacturing schedules and production efficiency. Support continuous improvement projects focused on reducing equipment downtime.

Assist supervisors with identifying repeated machinery interruptions and potential opportunities for improvement. Participate in maintenance meetings and discussions when requested. Learn basic manufacturing performance concepts, including machine uptime, downtime, productivity, and equipment efficiency. Provide accurate information to support maintenance planning and equipment reliability initiatives.

Communication & Teamwork Communicate professionally with maintenance technicians, machine operators, and production supervisors. Ask questions and obtain clarification when equipment downtime information is incomplete. Provide accurate updates regarding downtime records and assigned activities. Follow directions from maintenance leadership and complete assigned responsibilities on time.

Work cooperatively with multiple departments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to continuous improvement. Safety & Workplace Compliance Follow all manufacturing facility safety policies and procedures. Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and steel-toe footwear when applicable.

Remain alert while working around forklifts, moving machinery, and industrial equipment. Maintain safe distances from operating machinery and restricted maintenance areas. Report unsafe conditions or equipment concerns to supervisors. Do not attempt mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic repairs unless specifically trained, authorized, and supervised.

Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED. Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, an associate degree, technical training, certification, or bachelor's degree program in a relevant field preferred. Interest in industrial maintenance, manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or manufacturing operations.

Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and data entry. Ability to accurately collect, record, and organize information. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Basic math skills, including calculating time differences and totals. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers and supervisors.

Willingness to learn manufacturing equipment operations and maintenance procedures. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Reliable attendance and availability to work Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Preferred Qualifications

Enrollment in a community college, technical school, or university program related to industrial maintenance, engineering, manufacturing, mechatronics, or a related discipline. Previous internship, coursework, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. Basic understanding of mechanical equipment or industrial machinery.

Familiarity with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, formulas, and data tracking. Exposure to manufacturing equipment such as CNC machines, press brakes, welding equipment, or other production machinery. Basic knowledge of preventive maintenance, production reporting, or industrial troubleshooting. Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) is a plus.

Interest in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and equipment reliability. No previous professional maintenance experience is required. Candidates with strong computer skills, mechanical interest, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply. Physical Requirements & Work Environment Ability to stand and walk throughout the manufacturing facility.

Comfortable working in both office and production floor environments. Ability to work around industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, and production activities. Ability to use computers and perform repetitive data entry tasks. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Comfortable working in environments with machinery noise and varying temperatures.

Ability to follow required workplace safety procedures and wear designated PPE. What You Will Learn This internship provides opportunities to develop valuable skills in: Industrial maintenance operations and manufacturing equipment. Equipment downtime monitoring and data collection. Microsoft Excel and manufacturing performance reporting.

Preventive maintenance documentation and work order tracking. Equipment reliability and manufacturing productivity. Identifying production inefficiencies and recurring equipment issues. Communication between maintenance and production departments. Continuous improvement and manufacturing problem-solving.