Process Improvement Intern

Job Title: Process Improvement Intern

Location: Rock Hill, SC

Position Summary

The Process Improvement Intern will work directly with the Process Improvement Manager in a corrugated packaging manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on exposure to operational excellence, Lean manufacturing systems, quality management systems, production analytics, and cross-functional collaboration. The intern will observe, support, and participate in real-time improvement initiatives across corrugator and converting operations.

This is not a clerical position and will be embedded on the production floor and in data analysis activities.

Key Responsibilities

Shadow the Process Improvement Manager during:

Daily production meetings

Gemba walks

Downtime reviews

Quality investigations

Cross-functional improvement discussions

Assist in collecting and organizing operational data (waste %, downtime minutes, setup time, throughput, etc.)

Support analysis of machine performance across corrugator and converting equipment

Help build and update dashboards in Excel or Google Sheets

Observe and document standard work processes

Participate in Lean initiatives (5S audits, DMS boards, layered process audits, etc.)

Assist with development of work instructions and visual management tools

Support root cause analysis efforts using structured problem-solving methods

Prepare summary reports or one-page presentations on assigned projects

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the intern should understand:

Basic corrugated manufacturing flow (paper roll → corrugator → converting → shipping)

Key production KPIs (waste %, run rate, unplanned downtime, setup time)

Fundamentals of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

How quality systems integrate into daily operations

How data drives operational decision-making in manufacturing

Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Strong analytical mindset

Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets

Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment

Strong communication skills

Willingness to ask questions and engage on the production floor

Physical Requirements

Ability to walk production floor for extended periods

Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear)

Professional Expectations

Maintain professional conduct on the production floor

Respect safety protocols at all times

Demonstrate curiosity and initiative

Maintain confidentiality of operational data

Pratt Industries is America's 4th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.

Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.