Continuous Improvement Specialist (Internship)

Notre Dame; City of Plattsburgh (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

4-month internship

Paid internship

Job summary

Notre Dame is seeking a motivated engineering/operations student for a four-month internship focused on Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. You will support APSYS deployment, map processes, collect data, analyze performance, and help implement action plans across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.

The role emphasizes real-world application of Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM) and collaboration in cross-functional workshops. Strong Excel skills and teamwork are required.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of Lean tools appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Support APSYS deployment activities across the site.
• Assist with continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.
• Participate in process mapping, data collection, and performance analysis.
• Help identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Contribute to improvement projects focused on SQCDP.
• Monitor KPIs and support reporting activities.
• Assist with audits, assessments, and improvement reviews.
• Analyze operational data and help develop recommendations for improvement.
• Support the implementation and tracking of action plans.
• Work closely with operational, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Participate in cross-functional improvement workshops and Kaizen events.
• Support knowledge-sharing and best-practice initiatives.
• Learn and apply Lean methodologies in a real-world environment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Teamwork and communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/Operations/Manufacturing/Business

Tools

5S

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Root Cause Analysis

Standard Work

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Support APSYS deployment activities across the site.
• Assist with continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.
• Participate in process mapping, data collection, and performance analysis.
• Help identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Contribute to improvement projects focused on Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDP).
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and support reporting activities.
• Assist with audits, assessments, and improvement reviews.
• Analyze operational data and help develop recommendations for improvement.
• Support the implementation and tracking of action plans.
• Work closely with operational, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Participate in cross-functional improvement workshops and Kaizen events.
• Support knowledge-sharing and best-practice initiatives.
• Learn and apply Lean and continuous improvement methodologies in a real-world environment.

About You

The company is looking for:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Operational Excellence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Familiarity with tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Root Cause Analysis, and Standard Work.
• Previous internship or project experience in manufacturing, operations, or process improvement is an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Internship Duration: 4 Months.
• Compensation: $25.00 USD per hour.