Packaging Intern

Pratt Industries; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Pratt Industries in Rock Hill, SC is seeking a Packaging Intern who will be embedded on the production floor to support process improvement, lean activities, and data analysis across corrugator and converting operations.

You will shadow the Process Improvement Manager, participate in gemba walks, collect operational data, build dashboards in Excel/Google Sheets, and help develop work instructions while learning lean manufacturing fundamentals.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Strong analytical mindset.
• Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to ask questions and engage on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Shadow the Process Improvement Manager during daily production meetings.
• Gemba walks and downtime reviews.
• Assist in collecting and organizing operational data (waste %, downtime minutes, setup time, throughput).
• Support analysis of machine performance across corrugator and converting equipment.
• Help build and update dashboards in Excel or Google Sheets.
• Observe and document standard work processes.
• Participate in Lean initiatives (5S audits, DMS boards, layered process audits).
• Assist with development of work instructions and visual management tools.
• Support root cause analysis efforts using structured problem‑solving methods.
• Prepare summary reports or one‑page presentations on assigned projects.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Strong communication skills

Willingness to ask questions

Comfortable working in a manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Pursuing a degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Position Summary

The Process Improvement Intern will work directly with the Process Improvement Manager in a corrugated packaging manufacturing environment. This role provides hands‑on exposure to operational excellence, Lean manufacturing systems, quality management systems, production analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration. The intern will observe, support, and participate in real‑time improvement initiatives across corrugator and converting operations.

Job Title: Packaging Intern

Location: Rock Hill, SC

This is not a clerical position and will be embedded on the production floor and in data analysis activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Shadow the Process Improvement Manager during: Daily production meetings
• Gemba walks
• Downtime reviews
• Quality investigations
• Cross‑functional improvement discussions
• Assist in collecting and organizing operational data (waste %, downtime minutes, setup time, throughput, etc.)
• Support analysis of machine performance across corrugator and converting equipment
• Help build and update dashboards in Excel or Google Sheets
• Observe and document standard work processes
• Participate in Lean initiatives (5S audits, DMS boards, layered process audits, etc.)
• Assist with development of work instructions and visual management tools
• Support root cause analysis efforts using structured problem‑solving methods
• Prepare summary reports or one‑page presentations on assigned projects

Learning Outcomes

• Basic corrugated manufacturing flow (paper roll → corrugator → converting → shipping)
• Key production KPIs (waste %, run rate, unplanned downtime, setup time)
• Fundamentals of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• How quality systems integrate into daily operations
• How data drives operational decision‑making in manufacturing

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Strong analytical mindset
• Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to ask questions and engage on the production floor

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk production floor for extended periods
• Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toe footwear)

Professional Expectations

• Maintain professional conduct on the production floor
• Respect safety protocols at all times
• Demonstrate curiosity and initiative
• Maintain confidentiality of operational data