Process Optimization Intern

SWM International; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Internship manager

Professional development

Community service

Job summary

Mativ seeks a proactive Process Optimization Intern in Roanoke, VA to support manufacturing operations by identifying and improving processes. You will work with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to gather data, run studies, and implement sustainable improvements.

This paid internship runs May 2027 – August 2027, offering meaningful work, an intern manager, and opportunities for professional development and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Analytics or related field.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, or Adobe Acrobat.
• Interest in manufacturing processes, safety standards, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify efficiency improvements.
• Collect and interpret production data, KPIs, and process metrics.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and value stream mapping.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Develop process documentation and standard work instructions.
• Participate in Kaizen events and process improvement workshops.
• Create reports and presentations with findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement changes.
• Support cost reduction, scrap reduction, and productivity projects.
• Assist with equipment layout and material flow studies.
• Monitor progress and verify improvements through data analysis

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Education

Pursuing degree in Industrial Engineering/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Business Analytics or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Visio

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Job Description

Process Optimization Intern

Location:

Roanoke, VA

Description:

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Process Optimization Intern to support our manufacturing operations by identifying, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes. This role will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance teams to gather data, conduct process studies, support continuous improvement projects, and implement sustainable process enhancements.

The Mativ Summer Internship Program is scheduled to start on May 2027 - August 2027. Our paid internship offers a well-rounded experience including: meaningful work, dedicated intern manager, community service, professional development and more.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze manufacturing and operational processes to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Collect, organize, and interpret production data, KPIs, and process metrics.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and value stream mapping activities.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Develop process documentation, standard work instructions, and visual management tools.
• Participate in Kaizen events and process improvement workshops.
• Create reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process changes.
• Support cost reduction, scrap reduction, and productivity improvement projects.
• Assist with equipment layout, material flow, and workspace optimization studies.
• Monitor project progress and verify realized improvements through data analysis

Qualifications:

Required

• Currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Analytics or a related field.
• Familiarity with documentation tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, or Adobe Acrobat.
• Interest in manufacturing processes, safety standards, and quality systems.
• Comfortable working in a plant or production environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• A team player with exceptional organizational and technical skills
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to balance multiple assignments at once
• Desire to make a strong contribution in a continuous learning environment, while enhancing their readiness for a full-time career.

Preferred

• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools.
• Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems.

Position Demands

Conditions are that of a manufacturing environment:

• Air Temperatures can range from cold to hot.
• Atmosphere may contain dust, fumes, and odors.
• May include mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive and radiation hazards.

Employees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including:

• Safety shoes (steel toe or composite toe)
• Safety Glasses
• Protective Gloves, when performing certain tasks
• Hearing Protection, when required
• Other personal protective equipment as required for certain tasks.

While performing the duties of this job the employee must meet the physical demands:

• Be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Be able to push or pull heavy objects up to 250 pounds.
• Perform repetitive tasks.
• Routinely stand, sit, hear, walk, and talk.
• Reach, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, twist, and balance, sometimes in awkward or tight spaces.
• Have good close vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

WHAT WE OFFER

Mativ benefits say a lot about how we care for each other. Our employees and their families have many different needs. As a result, our benefits offer choices on many levels and are high in quality, competitive in the marketplace, and affordable.

ABOUT MATIV

Mativ Holdings, Inc. is a global leader in specialty materials headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The company connects, protects, and purifies the world every day through a wide range of critical components and engineered solutions that solve our customers' most complex challenges. We manufacture on three continents and generate sales in nearly 100 countries through our family of business-to-business and consumer product brands. The company's two segments, Filtration & Advanced Materials and Sustainable & Adhesive Solutions, target premium applications across diversified and growing end-markets, from filtration to healthcare to sustainable packaging and more. Our broad portfolio of technologies combines polymers, fibers, and resins to optimize the performance of our customers' products across multiple stages of the value chain. Our leading positions are a testament to our best-in-class global manufacturing, supply chain, and materials science capabilities. We drive innovation and enhance performance, finding potential in the impossible.