Fall 2027 Co-op - Production Operations

Working directly with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and EHS, you will spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, engaging employees, and documenting best practices. Develop Safety, Quality, and Production Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) that improve First-Time-Right execution, reduce process variation, and standardize critical manufacturing tasks. Observe manufacturing processes and collect information directly from operators, technicians, and supervisors to accurately document work practices. Verify and validate work instructions through employee engagement and process confirmation to ensure procedures are accurate, complete, and executable. Document equipment operation, product changeovers, inspections, quality checks, troubleshooting activities, and other critical manufacturing processes. Audit existing documentation and identify opportunities to improve clarity, usability, consistency, and process compliance. Build process knowledge and technical understanding of assigned production areas through direct observation and hands-on learning. Utilize Microsoft Office tools and plant information systems to organize, maintain, and present process documentation. Support Continuous Improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce variation, improve standardization, and strengthen process control. Engage operators, technicians, supervisors, and support personnel to capture best practices and ensure documented procedures accurately reflect actual work methods. This role provides a unique opportunity to learn where engineering concepts and manufacturing execution intersect. By spending significant time on the production floor and working directly with operators and technicians, you will gain firsthand experience with how manufacturing systems actually operate in a high-speed manufacturing environment. Total Rewards: $31.00/hour Paid bi-weekly $5,000 Sign-on Bonus, paid within 30 days of employment Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited bachelor's degree program in Engineering, Industrial Manufacturing Leadership, Food Science, or a related technical discipline, and have completed at least two full years of undergraduate study prior to the start of the co-op. Available to work 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Exceptional communication skills, including active listening, professional written communication, effective verbal communication, and the ability to engage employees at all levels of the organization. Demonstrated professionalism, accountability, and maturity in academic, work, leadership, military, athletic, or extracurricular settings. Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and spending significant time on the production floor observing processes and interacting with employees. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and effectively manage assigned work with minimal supervision. Ability to work collaboratively across diverse functions including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, Logistics, Delivery, and Finance. Ability to receive feedback, apply coaching, and continuously improve performance and work quality. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.