Temporary/Footwear Rapid Prototyping Internship (1 Year, Lawrence, MA)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Temporary/Footwear Rapid Prototyping Internship (1 Year)
Company: New Balance
Location: Lawrence, MA Corp, United States
Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary, Internship
Category: Operations & Engineering - Product Development
Date Posted: 2025-09-26
Experience Level: Entry-Level / Internship (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a 1-year temporary internship focused on rapid prototyping within the Footwear Inline Engineering team at New Balance.
• The intern will be instrumental in operating and maintaining 3D printing equipment, managing print schedules, and preparing 3D files for efficient production.
• A key aspect of this position involves optimizing print settings and workflows to ensure high-quality, timely delivery of prototype models.
• The intern will also contribute to inventory management, equipment maintenance, and potentially lead an engineering project, gaining exposure to diverse footwear development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is specifically designed for individuals seeking hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing technologies within the athletic footwear industry. The emphasis on 'rapid prototyping' and '3D printing' indicates a focus on speed, iteration, and digital manufacturing processes integral to modern product development. The 1-year duration suggests a comprehensive immersion into the product lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• 3D Printer Operation: Operate and manage key 3D printing technologies, including Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and UV-curable inkjet printing.
• 3D Printer Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance, cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting of 3D printing machinery to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
• Print Queue Management: Prioritize and manage the 3D print queue based on urgency, available equipment, and estimated timelines, tracking progress in real-time.
• Model Setup & Optimization: Prepare 3D data for printing, optimizing print settings and build orientations for quality, efficiency, and material usage.
• Inventory Management: Track material consumption for 3D printing, recommend reordering schedules, and maintain organized inventory records.
• Post-Processing: Perform essential post-processing tasks on printed parts, including immersion baths, waxing, water jetting, sandblasting, and gluing, to achieve desired finishes.
• Industry Trend Research: Actively seek information on advancements and emerging trends in rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing to contribute to innovation at New Balance.
• Engineering Project Leadership: Lead a defined engineering project within the inline engineering team, applying learned principles of footwear sole engineering, materials, costing, and manufacturing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with designers, developers, sports researchers, product managers, innovation, materials, sourcing, quality, and legal teams to drive product development forward.
• Technical Development Support: Support the engineering of new technical products by understanding performance and consumer needs, and communicating development timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of operational execution and project-based learning. The emphasis on "print queue management" and "model setup" points to a need for strong organizational and technical skills, while "engineering project leadership" and "cross-functional collaboration" indicate opportunities for strategic thinking and team integration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Industrial), Material Science, Biomechanics, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• Academic or practical exposure to manufacturing processes, prototyping techniques, mold making, and various materials.
• Foundational understanding of 3D printing technologies is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• 3D Printing Operations: Hands-on experience or strong academic knowledge of operating 3D printers (SLS, UV-curable inkjet preferred).
• 3D File Preparation: Proficiency in preparing and optimizing 3D models for printing.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to understand and troubleshoot mechanical and technical equipment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for clear interaction with diverse teams.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain detailed records.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Willingness and ability to work effectively within a team-oriented, creative environment.
• PC Proficiency: Competence in spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel), database management, word processing, and field-related software.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Software Exposure: Familiarity with CAD software such as Rhino, Materialise Magics, or Solidworks.
• Materials Science Knowledge: Deeper understanding of polymer properties and their application in footwear.
• Post-Processing Techniques: Experience with various finishing methods for 3D printed parts.
• Inventory Management: Basic understanding of inventory tracking and management principles.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Exposure to project planning, tracking, and milestone management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation with a focus on practical application. The inclusion of specific CAD software and 3D printing technologies points to a highly specialized role. The "open-minded" and "up for a challenge" attributes suggest a culture that values adaptability and continuous learning.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• 3D Printing Case Studies: Examples of projects where 3D printing was used for prototyping, including challenges encountered and solutions implemented.
• Process Optimization Examples: Documentation of any instances where workflows or processes were improved for efficiency or quality, ideally related to manufacturing or production.
• System Interaction: Evidence of working with or managing technical systems, such as production equipment, inventory tracking software, or specialized engineering tools.
• Project Deliverables: Showcase of completed engineering or technical projects, demonstrating the ability to manage a project from concept to completion, with measurable outcomes if possible.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document operational procedures for 3D printer setup, maintenance, and post-processing.
• Experience in creating workflow diagrams or step-by-step guides for technical processes.
• Capacity to track and report on process performance metrics, such as print success rates, turnaround times, and material usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement for an internship, candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of relevant academic projects, personal projects, or previous work experiences that demonstrate their capabilities in 3D printing, prototyping, process management, and project execution. This will be crucial during the interview and potential portfolio review.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a temporary internship position, salary will be commensurate with experience and academic level, competitive for a 1-year internship in the footwear industry in the Boston metropolitan area. A typical internship salary range in this region for a technical role could be between $20-$25 per hour, or an equivalent annual salary of approximately $41,600 - $52,000.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance: Three plan options available.
• Dental Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage.
• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits included.
• Life Insurance: Coverage provided.
• 401K: Retirement savings plan available.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education.
• Student Loan Support: Monthly contribution towards student loans ($100/month).
• Lifestyle Reimbursement: Annual $1,000 reimbursement for lifestyle expenses.
• Vacation: 4 weeks of paid vacation.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays.
• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policy.
• Associate Discount: Discount on New Balance products.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, approximately 40 hours.
• The role is based in Lawrence, MA, requiring 5 days a week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, even for a temporary role, reflecting New Balance's commitment to employee well-being. The inclusion of student loan support and tuition reimbursement is particularly attractive for interns seeking professional development and financial assistance. The salary estimate is based on typical internship compensation for technical roles in the Massachusetts area and may vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Footwear and Apparel, Sporting Goods. New Balance operates in a highly competitive and innovation-driven market, emphasizing performance, design, and community impact. Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant global presence and workforce. This scale offers opportunities for diverse career paths and large-scale project involvement. Founded: 1906. With over a century of history, New Balance combines established expertise with a forward-thinking approach to innovation and design.

Team Structure:

• Inline Engineering Team: This team is dedicated to the development and refinement of core product lines, focusing on manufacturability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or lead within the Inline Engineering department, with direct mentorship and oversight for daily tasks and project work.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various departments including Design, Product Management, Materials Science, Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and Legal, fostering a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Decisions are informed by performance data, consumer insights, and rigorous testing.
• Iterative Design & Prototyping: A strong emphasis on rapid iteration through prototyping to refine designs and engineering solutions.
• Digital Transformation: New Balance is actively transforming its product and processes to be more digital, enhancing consumer experiences and operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.newbalance.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: New Balance's culture is characterized by a blend of heritage and innovation, with a strong emphasis on challenging conventions and driving positive change. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its values and equal opportunity employer statement. For an operations and engineering intern, this means an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a structured yet dynamic setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level internship, specifically designed for individuals early in their academic or professional journey. It serves as a foundational experience in rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and footwear engineering. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated mentor or supervisor within the Inline Engineering team. This provides a direct line for guidance, feedback, and project oversight, crucial for skill development and learning. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is typically focused on project completion and operational support, this role provides significant exposure to how rapid prototyping and engineering innovations directly influence product quality, market readiness, and consumer satisfaction for New Balance's footwear lines. The engineering project component offers a chance to contribute more substantively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deep dive into 3D printing technologies (SLS, UV-curable inkjet), CAD software, and post-processing techniques, building specialized expertise.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the footwear product development lifecycle by working with various departments, identifying potential career interests within the broader GTM or operations ecosystem.
• Project Leadership Experience: Opportunity to lead an engineering project, developing project management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills valuable for future roles.
• Industry Networking: Build professional connections with experienced engineers, designers, and product developers at a globally recognized brand.
• Potential for Full-Time Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time positions or extended internships based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a significant learning and development opportunity. The structured project work and cross-functional exposure are designed to provide interns with a well-rounded understanding of product engineering and its place within the larger GTM strategy, paving the way for potential career advancement within New Balance or the broader operations and manufacturing sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment located in Lawrence, MA. This setting is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and focused work. Office Location(s): Lawrence, MA Corp. This location is specified as the primary work site, requiring a 5-day-per-week on-site presence. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially labs or workshop areas conducive to team interaction and technical work.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art 3D printing equipment, CAD software, post-processing tools, and standard office technology.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with engineers, designers, and other professionals within the Inline Engineering team and across collaborating departments.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week.
• The role requires a consistent on-site presence in Lawrence, MA, five days a week, aligning with New Balance's hybrid work model that emphasizes in-person collaboration on specific days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a 5-day on-site work schedule in Lawrence, MA, is a critical detail for applicants. This indicates a hands-on role where physical presence is necessary for operating equipment and collaborating directly with the team. The description of the "hybrid model" with specific in-office days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) for the broader company suggests this internship may adhere to a similar or even more intensive on-site requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and academic background to assess basic qualifications.
• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussion of academic projects, understanding of 3D printing concepts, CAD software familiarity, and problem-solving skills related to engineering challenges.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Assessment of teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving approaches, potentially with scenario-based questions.
• Project Discussion/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to discuss a relevant academic project or a hypothetical engineering challenge relevant to rapid prototyping or product development.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Final discussion to assess cultural fit, role understanding, and enthusiasm for the internship and New Balance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Showcase academic projects involving CAD, 3D printing, materials science, or engineering design.
• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, challenges, and learnings in each project.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., "reduced print time by X%", "improved model accuracy by Y%").
• Showcase Process Understanding: Explain the steps you took in a project, from initial concept to final output, demonstrating your grasp of workflow and optimization.
• Visual Aids: Be prepared to present visual examples of your work (e.g., 3D renders, photos of printed parts, technical drawings).

Challenge Preparation:

• 3D Printing Concepts: Be ready to discuss different 3D printing technologies, their applications, advantages, and limitations. Understand terms like layer height, infill, support structures, and build orientation.
• CAD Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with basic CAD operations, file types (STL, OBJ), and the process of preparing models for manufacturing.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would troubleshoot common issues with 3D printers or optimize a design for better printability.
• Footwear Industry Awareness: Show an understanding of how rapid prototyping contributes to footwear innovation and the product development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the "portfolio" might be more academic or project-based rather than formal client work. Candidates should focus on preparing to discuss their academic achievements and any personal projects that demonstrate their technical aptitude and interest in rapid prototyping and engineering. The interview process is likely to be thorough to assess potential and fit for a year-long commitment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Printers: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), UV-curable inkjet printing technologies.
• Post-Processing Equipment: Immersion baths, waxing stations, water jetting, sandblasting, glueing equipment.
• CAD Software: Exposure to Rhino, Materialise Magics, Solidworks, or similar 3D modeling and preparation software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data tracking, scheduling, and basic analysis.
• Field-Related Software: Specialized software relevant to 3D printing workflow management or engineering analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Inventory Management Systems: Potentially basic tracking systems or spreadsheets for managing material stock and consumption.
• Project Management Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com could be beneficial for project tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific CAD software and familiarity with the listed 3D printing technologies are key technical requirements. The role implies working with specialized manufacturing equipment and associated software, demanding a hands-on technical skillset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Challenging Conventions: New Balance encourages pushing boundaries and finding new ways to improve products and processes.
• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to high standards in product development and manufacturing.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on working together across departments to achieve common goals.
• Community Impact: A value placed on creating positive change within communities.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with diverse teams, necessitating clear communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
• Process Improvement Focus: A culture that values continuous improvement, encouraging interns to identify and suggest enhancements to existing workflows.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where learning from peers and mentors is encouraged, facilitating the transfer of technical and process knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values—innovation, craftsmanship, teamwork, community, and integrity—should guide an applicant's approach and responses during interviews. Demonstrating an alignment with these values, particularly innovation and teamwork, will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: Managing tight deadlines for prototype production in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving issues with complex 3D printing machinery and software.
• Material Optimization: Learning to select and optimize material properties for specific product requirements and print processes.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively conveying technical information and project status to non-technical stakeholders.
• Project Management Complexity: Successfully leading an engineering project while balancing operational duties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Additive Manufacturing Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge and practical skills in advanced 3D printing techniques.
• Footwear Engineering Fundamentals: Understanding the core principles of footwear design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Product Development Lifecycle: Experiencing the end-to-end process of bringing a new product to market.
• Professional Networking: Building relationships with industry professionals at a leading athletic brand.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced engineers and product developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship presents a steep but rewarding learning curve. The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, emphasizing the development of critical problem-solving, technical, and interpersonal skills essential for a career in operations, engineering, or product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Application: "Describe a time you used 3D printing or a similar prototyping technique to solve a technical problem. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" Focus on detailing your methodology, challenges, and the results achieved.
• Process Optimization: "How would you approach optimizing the print schedule for a queue of urgent prototypes with varying complexity? What factors would you consider?" Prepare to discuss prioritization, resource allocation, and efficiency metrics.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a 3D printer is producing inconsistent results. What steps would you take to diagnose and resolve the issue?" Be ready to outline a systematic troubleshooting approach, considering mechanical, software, and material factors.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in a 3D printing and engineering internship specifically at New Balance?" Connect your passion for innovation, footwear, and the company's mission.
• Team Fit: "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" Provide examples of teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving from academic or project experiences.
• Adaptability: "This role involves learning new technologies and processes quickly. How do you approach learning new technical skills?" Highlight your curiosity, self-directed learning methods, and ability to adapt to new challenges.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 relevant academic or personal projects that best demonstrate your skills in CAD, 3D printing, or engineering design.
• Structure Your Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the tools/technologies used, the process followed, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or learnings.
• Focus on Process & Impact: Emphasize your understanding of the workflow, any optimizations you made, and the tangible results or insights gained.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical choices, design decisions, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their technical projects with specific details on the "how" and "why." Demonstrating enthusiasm for the footwear industry and a proactive learning attitude will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations and engineering internship:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link to New Balance's careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize relevant coursework, academic projects, and any hands-on experience with CAD software, 3D printing, manufacturing processes, or engineering principles. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of academic projects, 3D models, technical drawings, or any documentation that showcases your skills in rapid prototyping, design, or process optimization. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
• Research New Balance: Understand the company's mission, values, recent product innovations (especially in footwear), and its approach to technology and sustainability.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and eagerness to learn. Practice articulating your project experiences clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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