INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Engineering Internship Summer 2027

CompanyGeneral Plastics Manufacturing Company
LocationTacoma
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 3, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will participate in quality assurance, inspection, and testing, while supporting the R&D team in material development. They will also contribute to mechanical engineering projects using CAD and assist the operations team with manufacturing process engineering.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$21 - $26
Company Size
142
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
General Plastics Manufacturing Company - Where Great Ideas Take Shape - has been a leading innovator in the plastics industry for over 80 years. The company develops and manufactures rigid and flexible polyurethane foam products, which include its signature LAST-A-FOAM® brand series and build-to-print composite parts. Through its network of distributors, General Plastics exports products to 25-plus countries for the aerospace and defense, nuclear containment, composite core, prototype and modeling, construction, dimensional signage, testing, marine, solar and wind energy industries. Certified ISO 9001:2015/AS9100D and meet such demanding quality systems as NQA-1, Mil-I-45208A and Boeing Company D6-82479.
About the Role

Description

Engineering Internship – Summer 2027


This job posting is for candidates currently enrolled in an Engineering or Material Science Bachelor's degree program.


Who We Are


General Plastics Manufacturing Company is located in Tacoma, Washington


We are a manufacturer of rigid and flexible polyurethane foam and build-to-print composite parts, specializing in Aerospace and Defense markets. General Plastics has been meeting the stringent requirements of engineers and design teams in diverse industries for almost 85 years. Commercial, military and composite manufacturing companies use LAST-A-FOAM® rigid and flexible foam sheet stock for its proven mechanical properties and extraordinary versatility. They also depend on us to provide high-quality, high-performance composite assemblies and finished custom parts. We work with our customers through the design process, feasibility, fabrication, and delivery of custom parts. From high-temperature tooling boards, core material or custom fabricated assemblies, expect quality, uniformity, and stability of materials with General Plastics. 

From the oceans’ depths to deep space, we shape great ideas into reality!


About the Engineering Internship Program


This Engineering Internship will run for Summer 2027 and will be approximately 30- 40 hours per week.

Our internship program provides hands-on experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment. The paid program will be 12-16 weeks in length and gives interns the opportunity to learn about aerospace industry in a hands-on environment. You will be part of an exciting and innovative team and will be able to apply your classroom skills in real time!

This position will focus on various aspects of engineering in a manufacturing environment, examples include: 

  • Quality Assurance Inspection and Testing
  • Development implementation and support of new and existing materials with R&D team
  • Mechanical Engineering projects including CAD
  • Manufacturing Process Engineering with Operations team. 

Requirements

  • Must be currently enrolled in Engineering/Material Science degree program and graduating in next three years (2027-2030).
  • Must have completed at least one full year of Engineering/Materials Science classes.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

  • Demonstrated examples of excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient verbal and written communication, analytical, and presentation skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail, organizational and multi-tasking skills

What We Have to Offer


We manufacture advanced products in aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. If you are interested in a career in domestic manufacturing, then this internship would offer you exposure to all levels of manufacturing development from concept to commercialization.  If you are a person with a strong work ethic who enjoys the chance to excel in a positive, team-oriented setting, you’ll find General Plastics to be a rewarding environment. 


The compensation for this internship is $21-$26 per hour. 


General Plastics offers Interns the following benefits:

  • Paid time off for sick leave and holidays
  • This is an on-site intern position based in Tacoma, WA

Working Environment


This job operates in both an office environment and in a manufacturing plant. You may be working in a lab setting, at a desk, or on the production floor – all in one day!


Physical Demands


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.You will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working in the plant, to include: 

  • Safety shoes (paid for by the company)
  • Hearing protection
  • Safety glasses.

ITAR - US Persons Status


Due to General Plastics' participation in the defense industry, International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) requires that access to sensitive information and material pertaining to defense and military related technologies may only be accessed, viewed, or shared by US Persons as defined by law.  A "US Person" can be a US citizen, a lawful permanent legal resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or asylee.


General Plastics Manufacturing Company EEO Statement 


General Plastics is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.  Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at (253) 473-5000.


Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace


General Plastics is a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and both post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opioids, amphetamines, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our company policies.  

**We are a federal subcontractor, and we test for marijuana.**  

Key Skills
Quality assuranceInspectionTestingResearch and developmentMechanical engineeringCADManufacturing process engineeringCustomer serviceInterpersonal skillsVerbal communicationWritten communicationAnalytical skillsPresentation skillsAttention to detailOrganizational skillsMulti-tasking
Categories
EngineeringManufacturingScience & Research
Benefits
Paid time off for sick leavePaid holidays