Industrial Engineering Co-op: Hands-On Process Optimization

EFCO Forming & Shoring Solutions; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job description

Internship/Co-op Highlights

100% onsite internship/co-op in Des Moines, IA

Spring 2027 through Summer 2027 internship/co-op

Open to students pursuing Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, and related degrees

Competitive pay

Mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities

Opportunity for future full-time employment consideration

Why this internship/co-op may be a great fit

• Gain hands‑on experience supporting industrial engineering and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in time studies, process flow analysis, and workflow optimization projects.
• Work directly with engineers and cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and operational performance.
• Develop standard work instructions and support process documentation that drives consistency and efficiency.
• Contribute to real projects focused on problem‑solving, quality improvement, and manufacturing excellence.
• Build technical, analytical, and professional skills that support long‑term career growth in engineering and operations.

Overview

The Industrial Engineering Internship/Co-op role will ensure safety, quality, service, and cost in industrial engineering and continuous improvement processes.

This internship/co-op role will provide entry‑level support for projects and normal workloads while working closely with Industrial Engineers, Quality, Environmental, and Safety Departments to solve problems by investigating root causes and researching off‑the‑shelf and custom solutions.

Please note, this application is for our Industrial Engineering Internship/Co-op opening in Des Moines, IA, which is expected to run from Spring 2027 through Summer 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance (20%)

• Ensure all safety regulations are followed within industrial engineering and continuous improvement activities.
• Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards in equipment, processes, and workspaces.
• Report or correct unsafe equipment, acts, material revisions, and product deviations immediately.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement (35%)

• Assist in evaluating and improving manufacturing and business processes through time studies and process flow analysis.
• Identify inefficiencies and develop recommendations for workflow enhancements, automation, and material handling improvements.
• Support kaizen events and workshops and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement Lean methodologies.

Quality & Data Analysis (35%)

• Collect, analyze, and interpret quality data.
• Develop and document Standard Work Instructions for Production Employees.
• Identify trends and root causes of quality defects using statistical analysis.
• Support the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and non‑manufacturing areas.
• Conduct Engineering Drawing Reviews as part of the Manufacturing Review Team and recommend process improvements.

EFCO Core Values & Team Contribution (10%)

• Demonstrate EFCO Core Values by acting with integrity, executing quality processes, embracing innovation, and delivering superior service through collaboration and accountability.

Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Qualifications

• Education: Must be pursuing a manufacturing-relevant four-year degree including, but not limited to: Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Technology.
• Experience: Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience preferred.
• Leadership: Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, production teams, and support departments.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools required.
• Other Requirements
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical instructions.
  • High mechanical aptitude with the ability to complete moderate‑level mathematical calculations.
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Must be comfortable working in a factory shop floor environment.
  • No travel required.

Core Competencies

• Technical Skills - Proficiently uses job‑specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.
• Analysis - Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes.
• Mathematics - Applies basic and advanced math skills accurately in job‑related functions.
• Collaboration - Works well with others toward shared goals, contributing constructively to team efforts.
• Adaptability - Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing circumstances, priorities, and feedback.

Working Arrangement

• This internship/co‑op opening will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA headquarters.