Packaging Intern

prattinternalcareersite; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Industries is seeking a Packaging Intern to work on the production floor in Rock Hill, SC. You will partner with the Process Improvement Manager to observe, support, and participate in real-time improvement initiatives across corrugator and converting operations, gaining exposure to Lean manufacturing, quality systems, and production analytics.

This internship is embedded on the production floor and in data analysis activities, not a clerical role, offering hands-on experience with

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a related degree in engineering, operations, or business.
• 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.
• Assist in collecting and organizing operational data.
• 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 using structured problem-solving methods.
• Prepare summary reports or one-page presentations on assigned projects.

Skills

Strong analytical mindset

Strong communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Intern

Location: Rock Hill, SC

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.

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

Pratt Industries is America's 4th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.

Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.