Process Engineering Co-Op

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Join the Engineering team at ITW Performance Polymers in Shannon and help improve the procedures used to manufacture high-performance polymer and adhesive products.

Your main focus will be creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions and supporting manufacturing documentation. You will work with operators and engineers to understand batch manufacturing processes, collect process data and translate this into clear instructions that support safe, consistent and efficient production.

The placement runs for six months during 2027, with dates to be agreed. It is based on site, with up to 50% of your time on the production floor. You will take ownership of an agreed improvement project, with guidance from the Engineering Manager and experienced engineers.

ITW’S BUSINESS MODEL & CULTURE:

• We have an environment shaped by our decentralized, entrepreneurial culture that brings our exciting ideas to life.  Our people thrive in our “flexibility within the framework” approach.

• We are committed to providing you with growth and development opportunities that maximize your unique potential.

• Our culture empowers you to think and act like a business owner – we want your entrepreneurial spirit to thrive!

• Be a part of One ITW/One Team, where everyone’s contribution matters in our quest to achieve our full potential.

• We live by our Core Values: simplicity, sharing risk, integrity, respect, and trust.

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• Interested in how manufacturing processes and equipment work.

• Comfortable combining practical work on the production floor with accurate technical writing.

• Keen to ask questions, learn from others and improve how tasks are carried out.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Observe production activities, speak with operators and map process steps, equipment use, operating parameters and key quality checks.

• Draft, review and update SOPs and work instructions, using clear language and practical visuals where helpful. Follow site document control and approval requirements.

• Compare existing procedures with current working practices and highlight gaps or inconsistencies for review with Engineering, Production, Quality and EHS.

• Collect and analyse process data to help identify variation, delays, waste and opportunities to improve manufacturing performance.

• Support engineers with troubleshooting, root cause investigations and agreed improvement actions, working with Production, Quality, Maintenance, EHS and R&D as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED):

• Raise safety, quality and process concerns promptly. Support risk reviews and document the controls agreed by the responsible teams.

• Help communicate approved procedure changes and prepare supporting training materials for production teams.

• Plan and deliver a scoped documentation or process improvement project, track progress and present the findings, recommendations and handover to the team.

• Prepare the reports and presentations required by your course, with company information reviewed by your workplace supervisor before submission.

Expected outputs include reviewed SOPs and work instructions, clear process maps and supporting data, and a documented improvement project with practical recommendations and a handover presentation. Priorities and project scope will be agreed with the Engineering Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Currently studying an engineering degree in Engineering Technology Management, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Systems, Precision Engineering or a related discipline, with a placement as part of your course.

• An interest in manufacturing processes and equipment, with a willingness to spend time on the production floor and learn from operators and engineers.

• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical information accurately and in a logical sequence.

• Good attention to detail and the ability to organise documents, manage assigned tasks and follow through on agreed deadlines.

• Comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel to prepare documents, organise information and carry out basic data analysis.

• Willingness to ask questions, work with different teams, follow site safety requirements and seek guidance when needed.

Exposure through coursework or projects to Lean/Six Sigma, quality systems, process mapping, technical documentation or data analysis would be useful. Previous manufacturing experience is welcome but is not essential.