Manufacturing Engineering Co-op: Lean & Process Improvement

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

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.