Manufacturing Engineering Co-op

Crane Chempharma & Energy; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Crane Company in Spartanburg, SC is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op to support continuous improvement initiatives within the production environment. You will gain hands-on experience in process optimization, facility layout design, Lean Manufacturing, and standard work development while collaborating with engineering and production teams.

The role offers exposure to robotics cobots and optical inspection ideas, with a focus on safety, quality, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Sophomore standing or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering or science discipline at an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to work directly on the production floor in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn, accept challenges, and contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to work a full-time internship schedule (40 hours per week) throughout the internship period.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain facility layout drawings for production and support areas using CAD software.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and propose improvements to process flow, space utilization, and operational efficiency using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Conduct time studies and maintain manufacturing labor standards.
• Create and update standard work documentation and manufacturing procedures.
• Evaluate data collection systems, recommend enhancements, and support implementation of improvements.
• Assess ergonomics, workplace safety, and 5S compliance within manufacturing operations.
• Support the development, testing, and improvement of manufacturing methods, processes, and equipment.
• Analyze workflow, equipment layouts, and production requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize manufacturing data to identify trends and support decision‑making.
• Investigate manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Research and document opportunities for collaborative robotics (cobots) and optical inspection technologies within manufacturing flow cells.
• Maintain high standards of product quality through organization, workplace discipline, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and contribute to engineering projects as needed.

Skills

CAD software

SolidWorks

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project management

MS Office

Team collaboration

Production floor experience

Education

Sophomore standing or higher in Mechanical/ Manufacturing/ Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks (CAD tool)

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Manufacturing Engineering Co-op will support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives within the manufacturing environment. This role provides hands‑on experience in process optimization, facility layout design, manufacturing standards, and Lean Manufacturing practices. The co‑op will work closely with engineering and production teams to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and overall manufacturing performance while gaining exposure to real‑world engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain facility layout drawings for production and support areas using CAD software.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and propose improvements to process flow, space utilization, and operational efficiency using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Conduct time studies and maintain manufacturing labor standards.
• Create and update standard work documentation and manufacturing procedures.
• Evaluate data collection systems, recommend enhancements, and support implementation of improvements.
• Assess ergonomics, workplace safety, and 5S compliance within manufacturing operations.
• Support the development, testing, and improvement of manufacturing methods, processes, and equipment.
• Analyze workflow, equipment layouts, and production requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize manufacturing data to identify trends and support decision‑making.
• Investigate manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Research and document opportunities for collaborative robotics (cobots) and optical inspection technologies within manufacturing flow cells.
• Maintain high standards of product quality through organization, workplace discipline, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and contribute to engineering projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Sophomore standing or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering or science discipline at an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Experience with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to work directly on the production floor in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Self‑motivated with a strong desire to learn, accept challenges, and contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to work a full‑time internship schedule (40 hours per week) throughout the internship period.

#CPE

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

At Crane, we believe that attracting and retaining the highest quality people is the best insurance of success. Our goal is to recruit talented people and train them within a culture that calls for performance with trust and respect. Join us. The unique backgrounds and differences of our associates make us stronger, more capable, and more successful.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Beyond an associate’s base compensation, we reward and reinforce wellbeing with a compelling package of both cash and non‑cash benefits, including comprehensive health, wellness incentives, assistance with retirement savings, paid time off, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement — as well as performance‑based bonus programs for certain positions.

Crane prioritizes career development for our associates. All associates receive an annual development plan that includes a mixture of on‑the‑job coaching and formal training experiences to support individual development needs. We firmly believe in associate growth that supports career progression and we will proactively support your ongoing career development.