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Production Manager Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Product Management Intern supports the Product Management team with managing the current product portfolio and assisting in the development and launch of new products and features. Working ...

The Product Management Intern supports the Product Management team with managing the current product portfolio and assisting in the development and launch of new products and features. Working ...

The Product Management Intern position will work alongside our Product Management and Engineering departments assisting with new product development, quality improvement, and end user research ...

The Product Management Intern position will work alongside our Product Management and Engineering departments assisting with new product development, quality improvement, and end user research ...

The Product Management Intern position will work alongside our Product Management and Engineering departments assisting with new product development, quality improvement, and end user research ...

The Product Management Intern position will work alongside our Product Management and Engineering departments assisting with new product development, quality improvement, and end user research ...

A Product Management Intern at Medline will work closely with the Product Division team members and will be exposed to all areas of the business, including product development, marketing, global ...

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$34K - $55K/yr

Supply Chain Management (CA) Title: 2027 Intern - Supply Management/Logistics - 122582 Onsite ... Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Production Operation Management ...

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Production Manager Intern information

What does a production manager intern do?

A Production Manager Intern assists in overseeing the manufacturing or production process within a company. They help coordinate schedules, track inventory, ensure quality standards, and support the production manager in daily operations. Interns may also participate in meetings, analyze workflow data, and communicate with various teams to solve production-related issues. The internship is designed to provide valuable hands-on experience in managing production lines and understanding the logistics of manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production manager intern?

To thrive as a Production Manager Intern, you typically need a background in industrial engineering, business, or a related field, along with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with production management software such as ERP systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office is commonly required. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and responding to shifting production needs. These skills and tools ensure smooth operations, efficient workflow, and the ability to quickly address challenges in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by a production manager intern, and how can I prepare for them?

As a Production Manager Intern, you may encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple departments, and quickly adapting to unexpected issues on the production floor. Being proactive in communication, staying organized, and seeking feedback from experienced team members can help you navigate these challenges successfully. Interns are often expected to balance learning with contributing to real projects, so demonstrating initiative and a willingness to take on responsibility will set you apart.

What is the difference between Production Manager Intern vs Production Supervisor?

AspectProduction Manager InternProduction Supervisor
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in manufacturing, engineering, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience in production environment
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-level tasksSupervisory role on the production floor, overseeing daily operations
Employer UsageInternship programs in manufacturing companiesManufacturing plants, factories, production facilities

The Production Manager Intern is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting production management tasks, often as part of an internship program. In contrast, a Production Supervisor is a more experienced role responsible for overseeing daily production activities, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. While both roles work within manufacturing environments, the intern is in a learning phase, whereas the supervisor actively manages production teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Manager jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Production Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Production Manager Intern jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Production Manager Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Manager Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Intern - Operations/Production Management (Summer 2027)

Plexus Corp.

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Plexus Corp. rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world's most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision.
When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world.
With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success.
As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth.
Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com. Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. This is an internship position (Non-Exempt Salary); the hourly range is stated below. The rate offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Hourly Rate:
$22 - $26/hr.
OVERVIEW
The Production Management Intern provides support to the Production Manager and Factory Supervisors in the daily leadership and operational oversight of a specific market sector. This role offers students hands-on experience in high-intensity manufacturing leadership, with a focus on product quality, on-time delivery (OTD), and factory efficiency. The intern will report to a member of the site leadership team, such as a Production Manager or Focus Factory Manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Operational Excellence and KPI Management
  • Performance Tracking: Assist in monitoring and reporting on key manufacturing metrics, including On-Time Delivery (OTD), scrap reduction, yield, and overall productivity.
  • Production Planning: Participate in the review of daily and weekly production targets and schedules, and support capacity analysis to meet business objectives.
  • Operational Meetings: Attend and contribute to Operation Review meetings and shift handoff sessions to understand critical production needs and equipment status.
  • Administrative Support: Maintain accurate records of production output, quality checks, and equipment status.
  • Communication: Coordinate with production associates, leads, and operations managers to ensure production goals are consistently met.

II. Continuous Improvement and LEAN Initiatives
  • LEAN Support: Assist in the implementation of LEAN projects aimed at improving labor efficiency and waste reduction.
  • Factory Standards: Participate in GEMBA tours and support the execution of 6S improvement plans for optimized floor layouts.
  • Process Improvement: Identify bottlenecks in production and propose data-driven solutions for efficiency. Utilize lean manufacturing principles to drive focus factory performance.

III. Quality Assurance and Compliance
  • Quality Standards: Assure that product and process quality is compliant with internal, industry, and customer quality standards (e.g., IPC Standards, ISO, GMP).
  • Defect Management: Support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for defects or rejects produced during manufacturing cycles.
  • Safety Protocols: Monitor the production floor to ensure adherence to workplace health and safety (EHS) and RBA compliance.

IV. Resource and Team Leadership Support
  • Labor Planning: Shadow management to learn effective direct labor staffing and the development of results-focused teams.
  • Training Coordination: Assist in identifying training needs and monitoring the cross-training progress of manufacturing teams to ensure labor flexibility.
  • Communication: Facilitate clear information transfer between shifts and support open communication within the focus factory.

Required Skills
  • Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis to assist in LCM forecasting, metric reporting, and capacity analysis.
  • Problem Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis (e.g., 8D or similar methodologies).
  • Communication: Professional written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction across site associates and management.
  • Adaptability: Ability to handle complex manufacturing issues in a fast-paced environment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of lean and six sigma concepts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Student working towards a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field for entire duration of internship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Junior level status or higher.
  • GPA: 3.0 or higher is preferred.
  • PCB Assembly processes (SMT), Lean Manufacturing, and Quality Systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects or teams through academic or extracurricular activities.
  • Excellent organizational skills.

Physical Requirements:
  • N/A

Travel Requirements:
  • N/A

This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform.
We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at GHQ.TA@plexus.com. Please include your contact information and clearly describe how we can help you. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.

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About Plexus

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Neenah, WI, US

Year founded

1979