Operational Excellence (OPEX) Intern

MAHLE GmbH; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

MAHLE GmbH is seeking an Operational Excellence Intern to support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement across production lines in Murfreesboro, TN. You will participate in cycle time studies, kaizen events, PFEP development, and optimization of material flow from inbound to outbound logistics.

The role emphasizes data-driven process improvement, attention to detail, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proactive, analytical, and project-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interest in manufacturing operations, lean principles, and process improvement.
• Advanced communication skills (verbal and written).
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

• Conduct cycle time studies to develop cycle time diagrams, identify production bottlenecks, and support line balancing activities.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to participate in kaizen events and continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing production line performance.
• Support the development and maintenance of Plan for Every Part (PFEP), including determining optimal inventory levels, organizing material flow, and implementing visual management standards.
• Assist in designing and optimizing internal material delivery routes between inbound warehouse, subassembly areas, production lines, and outbound logistics.

Skills

Proactive mindset

Analytical

Project-oriented

Lean principles

MS Office / Excel

Education

Pursuing degree in engineering or operations

Tools

MS Office (Excel)

Job description

Together, we move the world—we’ve been doing it for over 100 years. At MAHLE, as a leading international development partner and systems supplier to the automotive industry, we pursue the objective of making mobility more efficient, more environmentally friendly, more convenient, and more economical. As part of our dual strategy, we are working both on the intelligent combustion engine for the use of hydrogen and other nonfossil fuels and on technologies for fuel cells and e-mobility.
MAHLE generated sales of €11.3 billion in 2025. Employing just under 65,000 people at 127 production locations and 11 technology centers, the company is represented in 28 countries. (as at: 12/31/2025). Join our MAHLE team! #weshapefuturemobility

Your Contribution:

As an Operational Excellence (OPEX) Intern , you will support continuous improvement initiatives focused on optimizing production processes, material flow, and operational efficiency. You will contribute to data-driven projects that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support lean manufacturing principles across the facility.

Conduct cycle time studies to develop cycle time diagrams, identify production bottlenecks, and support line balancing activities.

Apply lean manufacturing principles to participate in kaizen events and continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing production line performance.

Support the development and maintenance of Plan for Every Part (PFEP), including determining optimal inventory levels, organizing material flow, and implementing visual management standards.

Assist in designing and optimizing internal material delivery routes between inbound warehouse, subassembly areas, production lines, and outbound logistics.

Your Experience & Qualifications:

Proactive, analytical, and project-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail.

Strong interest in manufacturing operations, lean principles, and process improvement.

Advancedcommunication skills (verbal and written)

Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel strongly preferred).

Our Offer:

We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities.

#DiversityMatters with our inclusive culture, we welcome applications from all social, religious & ethnical backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, identities (gender) and neurodivergent people.

MAHLE is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment based non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, MAHLE offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment websitewww.jobs.mahle.com

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Find your job at MAHLE. Get to know this leading international supplier to the automotive industry as an employer. Shape the future, with us.

Do you have any questions?

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Facts about the job

Entry level: Internship

Part- / Full-time: Full Time

Functional area: Production

Department: BU2 Thermal and Fluid Systems

Location: Murfreesboro, TN, US, 37127

Company: MAHLE Filter Syst.(US)

Closing date for applications

Your future at MAHLE

As a team player and someone who thinks ahead, you can deploy all your skills with us. In cooperation with colleagues from different countries and areas, you contribute in designing the mobility of the future. When selecting MAHLE, you choose trend-setting technologies and strategies. Are you interested in working with us and developing efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions, optimising existing products, and turning innovative ideas into reality? Then MAHLE is the right address for you.