Continuous Improvement - Intern

Simpson Strong-Tie; Gallatin (TN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Strong‑Tie in Gallatin, TN, is seeking a Continuous Improvement paid Intern to support operations, product quality, and manufacturing performance. The role offers hands‑on Lean Manufacturing experience and cross‑functional collaboration, with a Monday–Friday 8am–5pm schedule and an internship end date of December 31, 2026.

You will analyze processes, collect and interpret data, participate in Kaizen events, develop standard operating procedures, and help drive improvements across

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, operations management, supply chain, or a related field.
• Interest in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or process optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Self‑motivation with initiative and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Collect, track, and analyze data related to production performance, quality, and downtime.
• Support root cause analysis activities and help implement corrective actions.
• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 6S, standard work, and visual management.
• Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Help document process improvements and assist in developing standard operating procedures.
• Work with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to support ongoing improvement efforts.
• Assist with project coordination and communicate progress and results.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Job description

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson, established 9 Principles of Business that guide our company values, making Simpson Strong‑Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our talented team is dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

About

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

As a Continuous Improvement paid Intern, you will support efforts to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and overall manufacturing performance. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will assist in identifying improvement opportunities, analyzing processes, and implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment while developing problem‑solving, analytical, and teamwork skills. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. The internship ends December 31, 2026.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)

Process Improvement & Data Analysis (50%)

• Assist in analyzing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Collect, track, and analyze data related to production performance, quality, and downtime.
• Support root cause analysis activities and help implement corrective actions.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Initiatives (30%)

• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 6S, standard work, and visual management.
• Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Help document process improvements and assist in developing standard operating procedures.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration (15%)

• Work with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to support ongoing improvement efforts.
• Assist with project coordination and communication of progress and results.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for candidates who:
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, operations management, supply chain, or a related field.
• Have an interest in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or process optimization.
• Possess strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Can collect, organize, and interpret data.
• Have effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Are self‑motivated with a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear, and sometimes walk and stand. The employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment where standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and scanners are frequently used.

Travel Required

This job requires 0% domestic travel.

WORK STATUS & LOCATION

This position is a non‑exempt, non‑permanent position with full‑time hours located in Gallatin, TN.

RELOCATION

Relocation is not available for this position.

PAY

$18.50 per hour.

In keeping with the Company’s commitment to the communities in which it does business, we are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression, transgender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition), sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, covered marital status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.