Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-Op

Entegris; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(K) match

Health benefits

Flexible schedule

Values-driven culture

Job summary

Entegris is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer Co-Op for the Spring 2027 season at the San Luis Obispo, CA site. The role runs for about 6 months and focuses on applying Lean and Six Sigma to optimize manufacturing processes.

You will collect data, perform time and motion studies, and work with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations to drive waste reduction and efficiency improvements. This is an on-site student position with hands-on problem solving.

Qualifications

• Completion of 2 or more years with selected major in Industrial or Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering
• Currently enrolled student and available to work 40 hours a week, M-F (8a-5p) beginning in January through June

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting operational data to identify opportunities.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes and productivity.
• Conduct time studies, motion studies, and workflow assessments to identify waste and inefficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process improvement projects.
• Assist in root-cause investigations and document SOPs, work instructions, and process maps.
• Participate in kaizen events and improvement workshops to implement process enhancements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Education

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing 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

Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

• 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