Continuous Improvement Intern

Key Responsibilities:

• Observe and document current shop processes (freight car repair and related office processes), including the flow of materials and information, to support the shop’s Value Stream Mapping action plan.
• Assist in time studies, process mapping, and identification of waste (defects, overproduction, waiting and delays, transportation, motion, etc.).
• Support continuous improvement projects, including 5S workplace organization, visual management, standard work documentation, problem solving, etc.
• Collect, summarize, and analyze operational data to support improvement projects and workshops and to calculate impact on business metrics.
• Participate in daily shop meetings, safety briefings, and improvement discussions.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Data Science or a related field.
• Strong interest in manufacturing, maintenance, or industrial operations.
• Comfortable working in a shop environment with proper PPE.
• Ability to observe processes objectively and ask thoughtful questions.
• Strong analytical skills and a passion for data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• A proactive attitude and eagerness to learn and contribute to team success.
• Exposure to Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence concepts is a plus.

What You’ll Gain:

• Real-world experience applying continuous improvement principles and methods.
• Exposure to freight car equipment and industrial repair operations.
• Mentorship from experienced shop and operations leaders.
• Opportunity to make measurable, lasting process improvements.

Physical Job Requirements

(The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

General office environment; may be required to travel. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit (remain stationary within work area) and use hands to finger, handle, feel and reach. The employee is occasionally required to move about (stand, walk). The employee must occasionally lift and/or transport up to 10 pounds. Correctable vision required for close, distance, and color vision capabilities.