Forge Shop Manufacturing Process Improvment Co-Op

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Castparts Corp. is seeking a Forge Shop Process Improvement Co-op in Houston to support manufacturing and engineering teams in identifying and implementing improvements to forging processes, equipment, and workflow.

You will analyze data, map current vs future state, and contribute to safety, quality, cost, and throughput improvements. Ideal candidates are actively enrolled in Engineering (bachelor's or master's), with strong Excel and data-analysis skills, able to work 5 months or

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with data analysis and process improvement is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to work with data sets.
• Proactive problem-solving and teamwork in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and throughput.
• Conduct process observations, time studies, and workflow analyses on the shop floor.
• Identify root causes of manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Develop and implement process improvements in collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams.
• Assist with day-to-day tooling review, equipment, and process optimization projects.
• Work directly with operators and supervisors to understand process challenges and develop practical solutions.

Skills

Process improvement

Time studies

Data analysis

Excel / Excel VBA/macros

Root-cause analysis

Shop floor collaboration

Education

Bachelor/Master in Engineering

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Forge Shop Process Improvement Co-op will support manufacturing and engineering teams in identifying and implementing improvements to forging processes, equipment, workflow, quality, and productivity. The co-op will work directly with shop-floor personnel and engineers to analyze process data, identify root causes of inefficiencies, and develop practical solutions that improve safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

Key responsibilities include analyzing production and process data, documenting and improving standard work, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, conducting time studies and process observations, assisting with root-cause investigations, and developing tools or recommendations to improve manufacturing performance.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and throughput.
• Conduct process observations, time studies, and workflow analyses on the shop floor.
• Identify root causes of manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Develop and implement process improvements in collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams.
• Assist with day-to-day tooling review, equipment, and process optimization projects.
• Work directly with operators and supervisors to understand process challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Support corrective and preventive actions related to quality and process performance.
• Perform other engineering and process improvement duties as assigned.
• Learning forge conformance and NCRs, while completing other daily tasks. Participate in MRB, dimensional submit, and NCR reduction meetings.

Key Projects and Measurements of Success

• Project 1: One piece flow
  • Responsibility: Map Set-Up and Teardown process current state; identify existing process waste, map future state efficient process, work with Forge team to execute transition from current batch process to future state one-piece flow.
  • Measurements of Success: 30% process waste reduction between current state and future state
• Project 2: On the Job Training Matrix
  • Responsibility: Create/update existing on the job training sheets for new hourly employees to complete and pass prior to working at their station alone.
  • Measurements of Success: Decrease NCR count due to new operator error
• Project 3: Part Dimension Updates
  • Responsibility: Verify overall dimensions on PDM to the drawings and update accordingly.
  • Measurements of Success: Completion of all parts and operations within forge-enabling future tools to improve Quality

Required Skills

• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong time management skills.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical abilities.
• Proficient in Excel, Excel VBA/macros.
• Experience with workflow analysis and process improvement techniques.

Education

• Actively enrolled or pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Experience

• Prior internship or co-op experience preferred.
• Experience with data analysis and process improvement projects is a plus.

Work Conditions

• Based in a manufacturing and office setting.
• Involves collaborative work with departments including Engineering, Production, and Quality.
• Requires the ability to work full or part-time for at least 5 months.
• Exposure to manufacturing elements such as noise, machinery, and other materials associated with engineering and production processes.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

This position requires use of information or access to production processes subject to national security controls under U.S. export control laws and regulations (including, but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)). To comply with those regulations, this position may require applicants to be U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Company Profile

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability - not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.

Precision Castparts Corp. and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited resumes will become the property of Precision Castparts Corp & its affiliates, and no fee will be paid.