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Lean Internship Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

CNC Intern

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

This internship provides exposure to CNC machine setup, operation, quality inspection, blueprint ... Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.

CNC Intern

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

This internship provides exposure to CNC machine setup, operation, quality inspection, blueprint ... Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.

Co-Op/Internship in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Distribution with experience applying basic Lean/Continuous Improvement Tools Primary Location... 690 CRENSHAW BLVD, HOPKINSVILLE, KY 42240-6824 ...

Co-Op/Internship in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Distribution with experience applying basic Lean/Continuous Improvement Tools Primary Location... 690 CRENSHAW BLVD, HOPKINSVILLE, KY 42240-6824 ...

Industrial Engineer

Louisville, KY

$67K - $90K/yr

Lean flow proposals / improvements to overall facility flow. * New business (Phase 2-5) layout ... May have Yanfeng interns assigned to them for supervisory development and project coordination.

Industrial Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

Lean flow proposals / improvements to overall facility flow. * New business (Phase 2-5) layout ... May have Yanfeng interns assigned to them for supervisory development and project coordination.

Students must be able to commit to a long-term internship (minimum 12 months) * Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. * Familiarity with AutoCAD, PFMEA, Lean Manufacturing principles, and ...

Students must be able to commit to a long-term internship (minimum 12 months) * Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. * Familiarity with AutoCAD, PFMEA, Lean Manufacturing principles, and ...

Project Engineer - Newport, KY

Newport, KY · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

... LEAN planning & scheduling, cost management, collaboration with project stakeholders, and superior ... What You Will Need: * 1-3 years of construction experience (including internships and co-ops) * A ...

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Lean Internship information

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How much do lean internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lean internship in Kentucky is $13.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.87 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do lean interns typically work on, and how do these projects contribute to organizational improvement?

Lean Interns commonly participate in process improvement projects, such as mapping workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and supporting the implementation of Lean methodologies like 5S or Kaizen. These projects often involve analyzing data to pinpoint bottlenecks, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting recommendations to management. By working on these initiatives, interns gain hands-on experience in real-world problem-solving and help drive continuous improvement within the organization, making their contributions both meaningful and educational.

What is a lean internship?

A Lean Internship is a training program where students or early-career professionals gain hands-on experience in applying Lean principles and methodologies within an organization. Lean focuses on improving processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. During the internship, participants typically work on real projects, collaborate with teams, and learn how to identify and solve operational problems using Lean tools like value stream mapping or Kaizen. This experience helps interns develop practical skills in process improvement and prepares them for roles in operations, quality, or continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lean intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lean Intern, you need a basic understanding of process improvement principles, analytical skills, and often a background in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and proficiency in Excel or data visualization software are commonly expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help interns contribute effectively to process improvement initiatives. These skills are important because they enable interns to identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and support a culture of continuous improvement within organizations.

What is the difference between Lean Internship vs Six Sigma Internship?

AspectLean InternshipSix Sigma Internship
FocusProcess efficiency, waste reductionProcess variation, quality improvement
CertificationsLean certifications (e.g., Lean Green Belt)Six Sigma certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt)
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, healthcare, service industriesManufacturing, engineering, quality departments
Industry UsageCommon in lean manufacturing and operational rolesCommon in quality management and process improvement roles

Both Lean and Six Sigma internships focus on process improvement but differ in their approach. Lean internships emphasize waste reduction and streamlining workflows, while Six Sigma internships concentrate on reducing process variation and improving quality. Candidates often pursue certifications in both areas, and both are widely used in manufacturing and service industries to enhance operational efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Lean jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Lean Internship jobs in Kentucky? For Lean Internship jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Lean Internship jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Lean Internship job openings:

Continuous Improvement Associate- Fordsville, KY

Kimball International

Fordsville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Kimball International rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 51 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

Roles and Responsibilities:
(Include Safety and Environmental, Quality, and Job Specific Roles and Responsibilities)
  • Lead or participate in continuous improvement (CI) events throughout the facility to help to improve processes.
  • Help implement process improvement activities throughout the facility.
  • Helps to identify potential CI events.
  • Verification of effectiveness of process improvements.
  • Participant in lean intern program.
  • Support safety & environmental efforts to better serve our employees and community
  • Ensure continuous communication occurs between employees, management, support staff, other KI divisions and customers as necessary.
  • Identify and implement potential cost reductions.
  • Supports and role models Vision and Guiding Principles.
  • Support our Environmental Management System (EMS)
  • Follows all safety guidelines and uses required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
  • Follow and support the Quality Systems

Skills to perform this role
Educational Requirements
  • Previous manufacturing experience
  • Successful completion of Lean Internship

Interpersonal Skills
  • Ability to give balanced feedback.
  • Ability to maintain a sense of humor.
  • Ability to exhibit patience and control emotions
  • Self motivated.
  • Maintain the highest degree of professionalism.
  • Able to make decisions.
  • Willingness to learn.
  • Tactful
  • Assertive
  • Honest and ethical
  • Flexible
  • Positive Attitude
  • Ability to build and sustain relationships

Ability to get things done through people
Skills to Perform This Role:
Technical Skills
  • Good computer skills.
  • Good follow up skills
  • Good problem solving skills.
  • Good understanding of production processes.
  • Good understanding of lean manufacturing concepts.
  • Able to work flexible hours.
  • Prior experience working on continuous improvement efforts within a team
  • Understanding of statistical techniques.
  • Ability to safely operate and maneuver required tools and equipment during projects

Communication Skills
  • Strong listening skills
  • Good written and verbal communications
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Can communicate technical and non-technical issues
  • Ability to teach
  • Ability to communicate at audience level.

Leadership Skills
  • Needs to be self-managed and motivated
  • Able to lead by example
  • Able to coach and motivate team
  • Has good facilitation skills
  • Good relationship builder
  • Able to facilitate win/win solutions
  • Ability to work with multiple departments
  • Ability to handle multiple projects
  • Take initiative
  • Ability to work in a team setting
  • Good organizational skills
  • Ability to be an effective coach
  • Good team building skills
  • Able to adapt to and manage change.

Business Skills
  • Good time management
  • Can handle multiple tasks
  • Good planning skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Results focused
  • Good recordkeeping skills

** RESUME REQUIRED
Qualifications:
  • 2 + years of experience in a manufacturing environment focusing on continuous improvement (CI) initiatives.
  • Enhanced troubleshooting and administrative skills.
  • Leading improvement initiatives (Kaizen events) from conception through implementation. Oversee the success of the kaizen events, including:
    • Coordinate strategic and detailed plans
    • Planning of events with a dynamic funnel process tied to Policy Deployment/Model Value Stream and Daily Management.
    • Develop and implement improvement strategies and initiatives.
    • Event execution; and sustainment of kaizen event results
  • Lead/facilitate the implementation/sustainment of lean tools (Visual Management, 6S, kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, plan-do-check-act, Lean processes, etc.)
  • Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on continuous improvement concepts, tools, and techniques

Educational Requirements
  • Previous manufacturing experience
  • CI experience required

* RESUME REQUIRED
  • *Please Note: This is an Hourly Associate position. Previous manufacturing and previous CI experience are both required for consideration. Please include detail of this experience in resume.

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