Process Optimization Internship Jobs in Connecticut

Overview

Support the manufacturing engineering team in a hands-on production environment while delivering projects focused on process improvement, equipment improvement, workflow optimization, and manufacturing documentation. This role offers practical experience in data collection, root-cause problem solving, cross-functional collaboration, and implementation of improvements that support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives

Objectives & Responsibilities 

Projects 

• Own and execute two primary projects focused on reducing manufacturing process variability, reducing cost of poor quality, improving material flow, and improving documentation and data collection 

• Understand/refine project scope, collect baseline data, and help establish clear success metrics with guidance from manufacturing engineering mentors 

• Analyze process, quality, and productivity data to identify losses, variation, or waste and recommend practical improvements 

• Present project progress, findings, and final recommendations to engineering and operations stakeholders at the end of the internship 

Project Execution & Team Support 

• Support engineers and technicians with process trials, observations, measurements, and shop-floor documentation related to assigned projects 

• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, and Technology Development as needed to gather input and move projects forward 

• Create or update work instructions, visual aids, standard work, or process documentation to support sustainable implementation of improvements 

• Participate in time studies, process mapping, and other continuous improvement activities that support project deliverables 

• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, accountability, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced manufacturing environment 

Analysis, Documentation & Improvement 

• Collect, organize, and interpret production or test data to support project decisions 

• Assist with root-cause investigations, corrective actions, and follow-up activities related to process or quality issues 

• Help document trial results, engineering changes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future process improvements 

Tools, Exposure & Learning Opportunities 

• Gain exposure to manufacturing equipment, process documentation, engineering drawings, and production problem-solving methods 

• Learn and apply manufacturing engineering tools such as process flow mapping, standard work, basic statistical analysis, and lean methods 

• Build practical experience communicating technical information through reports, presentations, and visual documentation 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Currently pursuing a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline 

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program and available to work full-time during the summer internship period 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for data analysis, documentation, and presentations 

• Interest in hands-on manufacturing, continuous improvement, and working safely in a production environment 

Preferred 

• Completion of junior-level engineering coursework prior to the start of the internship 

• Exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, time studies, or process improvement through coursework, lab work, or prior internship experience 

• Familiarity with engineering drawings, basic statistics, or manufacturing documentation 

• Prior project, lab, co-op, or internship experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment 

• Comfort working on the shop floor and learning from engineers, technicians, and operators 

• Experience using Python data analysis 

• Demonstrated initiative through engineering clubs, capstone work, personal projects, or other technical experiences 

Why This Role 

This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful manufacturing engineering work in an expanding production environment while gaining direct exposure to real equipment, real processes, and real operational challenges. The intern will take ownership of defined summer projects, work closely with experienced engineers and cross-functional partners, and finish the summer with tangible results, practical experience, and a stronger foundation in manufacturing engineering