Continuous Improvement Intern (Summer 2027)

Elkay Manufacturing Corporation; Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation in Illinois invites students to join the Continuous Improvement internship for Summer 2027. As part of the ZEBS team, you will participate in front-line business support, learn Lean methods, and contribute to process improvement within a site.

You''ll collaborate with leaders, help prioritize CI projects, and develop skills in daily management and metric tracking while gaining exposure to company culture and leadership development.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing bachelor's degree; engineering preferred.
• Lean experience desired.
• Interest in mechanical tools, equipment, and processes (mechanical aptitude/hands-on experience a plus).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to assess current processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Manage the process of selecting, scoping, prioritizing, and executing CI projects including resource review.
• Collaborate with leadership to create best practices across functions to align with business strategy.
• Develop and manage financial benefits and KPIs related to major activities.
• Support on-site visual daily management (VDM) and continuous improvement goals.

Skills

Lean experience

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Continuous Improvement Intern (Summer 2027)

The Company

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation is a thriving, values-driven company focused on doing the right things. We're a fast growing, publicly traded company (NYSE: ZWS), with an enduring reputation for integrity, giving back, and providing an engaging, inclusive environment where careers flourish and grow.

Named by Newsweek as One of America's Most Responsible Companies and an Energage USA Top Workplace, at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation, we never forget that our people are at the center of what makes us successful. They are the driving force behind our superior quality, product ingenuity, and exceptional customer experience. Our commitment to our people and their professional development is a recipe for success that has fueled our growth for over 100 years, as one of today’s leading international suppliers of plumbing and water delivery solutions.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation employs over 2800 employees worldwide, working from 24 locations across the U.S., China, Canada, Dubai, and Mexico, with sales offices available around the globe. We hope you'll visit our website and learn more about Zurn Elkay at zurnelkay.com.

The Continuous Improvement internship gives students the opportunity to participate in exciting front-line business support functions. As an intern with Zurn Elkay, you will be part of the ZEBS (Zurn Elkay Business Systems) team, where you will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development and networking activities to gain exposure to Zurn Elkay culture and leadership. The ZEBS Intern will also have opportunity to develop general business and leadership skills while supporting the continuous improvement needs of a specific site / function.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders, to assess current processes and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Manage the process of selecting, scoping, prioritizing, and executing CI projects including review of resource utilization.
• Collaborate with leadership to create best practices related to all functions to further align with overall business strategy.
• Develop and manage financial benefit and key performance indicator bowlers related to major activities.
• Support on-site visual daily management (VDM) and continuous improvement (#CI) goals.

Experience and Skill Required

• Currently pursuing bachelor's degree: engineering preferred
• Lean experience desired
• Interest in mechanical tools, equipment, and processes (mechanical aptitude/hands on experience a plus)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Leadership Competencies

• Action Oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Self-Development - Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran