Continuous Improvement Intern

Eaton Corporation; Troy Township (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton Corporation in Troy, IL is offering a Continuous Improvement Intern position designed for engineering students. You will join a high-performing team to optimize processes and drive measurable improvements in productivity and quality.

The role emphasizes hands-on collaboration with CI leaders, data-driven analysis, and involvement in Kaizen events, with exposure to smart manufacturing and digital dashboard development.

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited engineering program (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field).
• Minimum 2.75 GPA and entering junior year or higher.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; reside within 50 miles of the Troy, IL Plant.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CI leaders to identify, scope, and execute improvement projects aligned with the Eaton Business System (EBS).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Actively participate in Kaizen events and CI workshops to eliminate waste and enhance efficiency.
• Develop and update standard work documentation and visual management tools.
• Deploy Lean methodologies such as 5S, value stream mapping, and TPM to drive sustainable improvements.
• Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including IoT integration, predictive maintenance, and digital dashboard development.
• Prepare and deliver clear, data-driven reports and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes to leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Data analysis

Lean concepts

Six Sigma (familiar)

Industry 4.0 concepts

Education

Engineering student enrolled in accredited program

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Eaton’s ES GEIS BLD division is currently seeking a Continuous Improvement Intern.

The hourly rate for this position is $22.15 - $34.62 per hour.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What you’ll do:

Position Overview

Join a high-performing team dedicated to advancing Eaton’s Continuous Improvement and Industry 4.0 strategy. In this hands‑on role, you’ll collaborate with CI leaders and cross‑functional teams to optimize processes, implement smart manufacturing solutions, and drive measurable improvements in productivity and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CI leaders to identify, scope, and execute improvement projects aligned with the Eaton Business System (EBS).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Actively participate in Kaizen events and CI workshops to eliminate waste and enhance efficiency.
• Develop and update standard work documentation and visual management tools.
• Deploy Lean methodologies such as 5S, value stream mapping, and TPM to drive sustainable improvements.
• Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including IoT integration, predictive maintenance, and digital dashboard development.
• Assist in implementing Eaton‑approved smart manufacturing technologies for real‑time performance monitoring.
• Prepare and deliver clear, data‑driven reports and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes to leadership.

Qualifications:

Basic (Required) Qualifications:

• Actively enrolled in an accredited engineering program (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field).
• Minimum 2.75 GPA.
• Entering junior year or higher.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Reside within 50 miles of the Troy, IL Plant (no relocation provided).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or coursework in Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts (IoT, smart sensors, data analytics, automation).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job‑related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.

You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

To request disability‑related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.