Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-Op

Entegris, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer match

Health packages

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Entegris, Inc. in San Luis Obispo, CA seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-op for the Spring 2027 season. This 6-month, full-time co-op supports operational excellence by data collection, time-and-motion studies, and applying Lean/Six Sigma to minimize waste and bottlenecks.

You will work with Production, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain teams to drive processes, SOPs, and standardized work. The role offers hands-on floor exposure, kaizen events, and the chance to develop process

Qualifications

• Completion of 2+ years in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering.
• Currently enrolled student eligible for co-op participation.
• Available to work 40 hours per week January through June.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes.
• Conduct time and motion studies and workflow assessments.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Assist root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Help develop SOPs, work instructions, and process maps.
• Participate in kaizen events and improvement workshops.
• Evaluate layouts to improve material flow, safety, and efficiency.
• Support design of assembly aids, fixtures, and ergonomic stations.
• Create reports and dashboards to communicate progress and findings.
• Monitor KPIs and assess sustainability of improvements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Root-cause problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

SOP documentation

Education

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-Op Job Description: Here at Entegris, we use advanced science to enable technologies that transform the world, and we are seeking employees who have the drive to continue the mission. The Role: Our site in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-Op to join our team for the Spring 2027 season. This assignment is intended to be 6 months in duration. The Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-op supports operational excellence by assisting in data collection, conducting time and motion studies, and applying foundational Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to identify and eliminate waste, reduce bottlenecks, and optimize workflow layouts. Working hands-on with cross-functional production teams, this dynamic student role actively participates in root-cause problem-solving and helps document standard operating procedures to drive sustainable, efficiency-focused enhancements across our manufacturing operations.

What You'll Do:

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting operational data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Apply foundational Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to help optimize processes, reduce bottlenecks, and improve productivity.
• Conduct time studies, motion studies, and workflow assessments to evaluate process performance and uncover sources of waste, variation, and inefficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to support process improvement projects.
• Assist in root-cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools to identify corrective and preventive actions.
• Help develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process maps, and standardized work practices.
• Participate in manufacturing floor observations, kaizen events, and improvement workshops, providing hands-on support for implementing process enhancements.
• Support facility, production line, and workstation layout evaluations to improve material flow, ergonomics, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Design, develop, or improve assembly aids, fixtures, tooling, material handling solutions, and ergonomic workstations that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
• Assist with evaluating manufacturing equipment, production processes, and automation opportunities to improve throughput and reduce operational waste.
• Create reports, presentations, visual management systems, and dashboards to communicate project progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and assist in measuring the effectiveness and sustainability of implemented improvements.

What We Seek:

• Completion of 2 or more years with selected major in Industrial or Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering Desired Major(s) & Graduation Year: Industrial or Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering Desired Graduation year 2028 or sooner Eligibility Must be a currently enrolled student Available to work 40 hours a week, M-F (8a-5p) beginning in January through June. Must be familiar with the universities requirements to participate in a co-op program

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to manipulate mechanical assemblies and objects of 25 lb.
• Mobility to be able to investigate and observe shop floor activities.

Why Work at Entegris Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future. Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background, experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees to bring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-making process is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at every level of the organization. We put our values at the core of how we operate as an organization - not just when it's convenient, but in a lasting and meaningful way. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact on your life inside and outside of the office.

What We Offer

• Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match
• Excellent health packages to fit your needs
• Flexible work schedule with paid holidays and sick time
• Values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence

Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future. At Entegris, we want you to be part of our culture, which values your unique talents, skills, and experiences. We believe what we do is as important as how we do it. People at our company bring their true selves to work, and are appreciated not only for what they do, but for who they are. This plus the technical complexity of our products and solutions means you can be sure your work is both challenging and changing the world for the better. Learn more about why people enjoy working at Entegris.