About the role#
As a Lean / Continuous Improvement Co-op, you will work directly on the shop floor to identify waste, remove barriers, and drive daily improvements that make manufacturing processes safer and more efficient. This is a hands-on role where you will spend significant time at the gemba, observing operations and partnering with teams to turn feedback into functional, tested solutions.
What you'll do#
- Spend regular time on the production floor observing work, identifying pain points, and partnering with operators to understand day-to-day challenges.
- Design, prototype, and implement small-scale solutions, such as fixtures, visual aids, or workstation layouts, to reduce operator strain, cycle time, or variation.
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools, including 5S, standard work, value stream mapping, and A3 problem solving, to drive measurable improvements.
- Build and test quick, iterative prototypes using basic fabrication or 3D printing to validate ideas before implementation.
- Lead small-to-medium continuous improvement projects from idea generation through implementation and follow-up.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, quality teams, and production supervisors to align improvements with operational goals while ensuring safety and compliance.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.
- Pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Strong interest in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and hands-on problem solving.
- Ability to build rapport with operators and production teams on the shop floor.
- Prior exposure to Lean/Six Sigma tools is a plus but not required.
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. Government export restrictions.
Location & details#
- Locations: Parsippany, New Jersey or Allentown, Pennsylvania.
- Term: Fall 2026 (6+ months).
- Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week, 1st shift).
- Compensation: Paid position.
