Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op supports the Manufacturing Engineering team in improving production processes, increasing throughput, reducing cost, and enhancing quality and safety. This role is hands-on and data-driven, involving shop-floor support, documentation updates, basic tooling/fixture support, and continuous improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Production Support

• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting process issues and documenting root causes.
• Assist in developing and improving assembly/manufacturing processes to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Participate in production line observations, time studies, and capacity/throughput assessments.
• Help implement process changes and verify results through data collection and analysis.

Continuous Improvement (Lean / CI)

• Support Lean initiatives (5S, visual management, standard work, waste reduction).
• Assist with Kaizen events and follow-up action items.
• Track improvement metrics (scrap, cycle time, yield, downtime) and present findings to the team.

Documentation & Standardization

• Create and revise manufacturing documentation such as:
• Work instructions / standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Process flows and routings
• Bills of materials (BOM) support and verification (as applicable)
• Inspection/check sheets and control plans (as applicable)
• Help ensure documentation is accurate, clear, and compliant with internal quality standards.

Tooling, Fixtures, and Equipment Support

• Assist in designing or improving basic fixtures, jigs, or aids to improve ergonomics and repeatability.
• Support equipment validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ as applicable) and basic gage/measurement studies.
• Coordinate with maintenance, operators, and suppliers to support equipment uptime and safe operation.

Quality & Compliance Support

• Support investigation of nonconformances and corrective actions (CAPA) by gathering data and documenting findings.
• Assist with implementing poka-yoke (error-proofing) and process controls.
• Follow all safety, EHS, and quality procedures while working on the production floor.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Availability for a full-time co-op term (typically 12–16+ weeks; longer terms preferred).
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to work on the production floor and communicate with operators and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel (basic formulas, pivot tables preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma concepts (coursework or projects).
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD or similar) for basic fixture/layout work.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Minitab, MoreSteam Power BI, or similar).
• Prior internship/co-op experience in manufacturing, quality, or process engineering.

Skills & Competencies

• Problem-solving and root cause analysis mindset
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation accuracy
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage tasks independently and follow through on deliverables

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work performed in both office and manufacturing floor settings.
• May require standing/walking on the production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (with or without reasonable accommodation).
• Use of PPE may be required (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe shoes as applicable).

Schedule & Duration

• Full-time co-op (typically Monday–Friday, standard business hours; may vary based on production needs).
• Duration aligned to academic co-op program requirements.

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world manufacturing engineering experience with measurable project outcomes
• Exposure to process improvement tools, production support, and cross-functional teamwork
• Mentorship from experienced manufacturing engineers and operations leaders
• Opportunities to present results and contribute to operational performance