Continuous Improvement - Intern

Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. in West Chicago, IL is seeking a Continuous Improvement paid Intern to support Lean manufacturing, data analysis, and process optimization while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will work with cross-functional teams, collect and interpret production data, participate in Kaizen events, and help document standard operating procedures during a structured internship until December 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in 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.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities (50%).
• Assist Lean initiatives, 6S, standard work, and visual management; document SOPs (30%).
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams (15%).
• Perform other duties as assigned (5%).

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Initiative

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Operations Management, or Supply Chain

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

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 we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures. Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

Continuous Improvement paid Intern

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

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or 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‑motivated with a high level of initiative and attention to detail.
• Proficiency 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 by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

This job operates in a professional office environment where standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers/scanners, etc. 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 West Chicago, IL.

RELOCATION

Relocation is not available for this position.

PAY

$18 - $23 / hour

Equal Opportunity Employer

In keeping with the Company's commitment to the communities in which it does business, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that to the fullest extent required by local law, employment decisions are based on merit and business needs and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender (which state law may define to include gender identity/expression, transgender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, and gender stereotyping), 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.