Manufacturing Operations Intern - Summer 2027

Stfrancis; Miamisburg (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

TPS exposure

Mentorship

Professional development

Networking

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Stfrancis in the United States is seeking an intern in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives. You will help improve process efficiency, standardization, visual management, quality, and material flow while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams.

Gain exposure to Toyota Production System (TPS) and Visual Factory initiatives, participate in root-cause analysis, develop SOPs,

Qualifications

• Current pursuit of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Basic understanding of manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, or lean principles
• Preferred exposure to TPS, 5S, Visual Factory, Standard Work, Kanban, or similar operational excellence methodologies
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with reporting, dashboarding, or data visualization tools is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with frontline employees, technical teams, and business professionals
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and desire to learn

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing and operations teams to improve process efficiency, standardization, visual management, quality, material flow, and equipment implementation
• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to translate improvement opportunities into practical, sustainable shop-floor solutions
• Support Toyota Production System (TPS) and Visual Factory initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, workplace organization, and performance visibility
• Assist in identifying root causes of quality and process issues and support corrective and preventive actions
• Coordinate product and process engineering changes, ensuring documentation, communication, training, and successful manufacturing implementation
• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and production documentation
• Assist with implementation and sustainment of Kanban and other material flow systems to improve inventory management and production flow
• Create and maintain operational dashboards, visual controls, and reporting tools to support data-driven decision-making
• Support capital equipment projects including equipment implementation, commissioning, process integration, supplier coordination, and documentation
• Participate in continuous improvement activities through process observation, data collection, analysis, and implementation support
• Partner with frontline leaders and team members to reinforce standardized work and sustain operational improvements
• Support additional projects and operational priorities as assigned

Skills

Industrial engineering

Data analysis

Lean principles

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in related field

Pursuing Bachelor's degree

Tools

Dashboard software

ERP experience

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Support manufacturing and operations teams to improve process efficiency, standardization, visual management, quality, material flow, and equipment implementation
• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to translate improvement opportunities into practical, sustainable shop-floor solutions
• Support Toyota Production System (TPS) and Visual Factory initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, workplace organization, and performance visibility
• Assist in identifying root causes of quality and process issues and support corrective and preventive actions
• Coordinate product and process engineering changes, ensuring documentation, communication, training, and successful manufacturing implementation
• Develop, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and production documentation
• Assist with implementation and sustainment of Kanban and other material flow systems to improve inventory management and production flow
• Create and maintain operational dashboards, visual controls, and reporting tools to support data-driven decision-making
• Support capital equipment projects including equipment implementation, commissioning, process integration, supplier coordination, and documentation
• Participate in continuous improvement activities through process observation, data collection, analysis, and implementation support
• Partner with frontline leaders and team members to reinforce standardized work and sustain operational improvements
• Support additional projects and operational priorities as assigned

About You

The company is looking for candidates who have:

• Current pursuit of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Basic understanding of manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, or lean principles
• Preferred exposure to TPS, 5S, Visual Factory, Standard Work, Kanban, or similar operational excellence methodologies
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with reporting, dashboarding, or data visualization tools is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with frontline employees, technical teams, and business professionals
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and desire to learn

Compensation & Benefits

• Hands-on experience in manufacturing operations and continuous improvement
• Exposure to Toyota Production System (TPS) and Lean Manufacturing principles
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects with measurable business impact
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced operations leaders
• Executive networking and professional development opportunities
• Collaborative, high-energy workplace
• Potential consideration for future internship or full-time opportunities

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This onsite position requires regular movement between office and active manufacturing environments. Employees must safely navigate production areas and comply with safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements. Physical activities include standing, walking, sitting, reaching, frequent use of hands, and occasional lifting of materials up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. The environment may have moderate noise, moving equipment, and active production operations. Occasional schedule flexibility may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.