Forge Shop Manufacturing Process Improvment Co-Op

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Forge Shop Process Improvement Co-op will support manufacturing and engineering teams in identifying and implementing improvements to forging processes, equipment, workflow, quality, and productivity. The co-op will work directly with shop-floor personnel and engineers to analyze process data, identify root causes of inefficiencies, and develop practical solutions that improve safety, quality, cost, and throughput. Key responsibilities include analyzing production and process data, documenting and improving standard work, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, conducting time studies and process observations, assisting with root-cause investigations, and developing tools or recommendations to improve manufacturing performance.  
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and throughput.
•    Conduct process observations, time studies, and workflow analyses on the shop floor.
•    Identify root causes of manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving methods.
•    Develop and implement process improvements in collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams.
•    Assist with day-to-day tooling review, equipment, and process optimization projects.
•    Work directly with operators and supervisors to understand process challenges and develop practical solutions.
•    Support corrective and preventive actions related to quality and process performance.
•    Perform other engineering and process improvement duties as assigned.
•    Learning forge conformance and NCRs, while completing other daily tasks. Participate in MRB, dimensional submit, and NCR reduction meetings

Key Projects and Measurements of Success
Project 1: One piece flow 
•    Responsibility: Map Set-Up and Teardown process current state; identify existing process waste, map future state efficient process, work with Forge team to execute transition from current batch process to future state one-piece flow. 
•    Measurements of Success:
o     30% process waste reduction between current state and future state 
Project 2: On the Job Training Matrix
•    Responsibility: Create/update existing on the job training sheets for new hourly employees to complete and pass prior to working at their station alone.
•    Measurements of Success:
o    Decrease NCR count due to new operator error
Project 3: Part Dimension Updates
•    Responsibility: Verify overall dimensions on PDM to the drawings and update accordingly.
•    Measurements of Success:
o    Completion of all parts and operations within forge—enabling future tools to improve Quality

REQUIRED SKILLS:
•    Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
•    Strong time management skills.
•    Good verbal communication skills.
•    Excellent analytical abilities.
•    Proficient in Excel, Excel VBA/macros.
•    Experience with workflow analysis and process improvement techniques.
EDUCATION:
•    Actively enrolled or pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
EXPERIENCE:
•    Prior internship or co-op experience preferred.
•    Experience with data analysis and process improvement projects is a plus.
WORK CONDITIONS: 
•    Based in a manufacturing and office setting.
•    Involves collaborative work with departments including Engineering, Production, and Quality.
•    Requires the ability to work full or part-time for at least 5 months.
•    Exposure to manufacturing elements such as noise, machinery, and other materials associated with engineering and production processes.