Process Improvement Intern

Position Summary

The Process Improvement Intern will work directly with the Process Improvement Manager in a 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 & Plant 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 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 manufacturing flow 

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

2

Pratt (Impress Manufacturing), Inc. is looking for a motivated Process Improvement Intern to join our team for Summer 2025. The ideal candidate will support ongoing process enhancement initiatives across various departments, aiming to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality within our operations.

The goal of this internship position is to provide an opportunity for students to gain real world experience in the Packaging industry and to help students develop professionally in a progressive manner with an increasing amount of responsibility. This position is ideally suited for students who are interested in and capable of working for Summer of 2025 (May-August). The internship will end with the Intern Summit at the Pratt Corporate Headquarters where interns will present their projects to the executive team.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing and implementing sustainable process improvement and LEAN manufacturing initiatives.
• Continuously providing high levels of customer service, continuous support and proactive involvement to customers, leadership and peers.
• Championing ideas and suggestions to simplify and improve complex work processes.
• Providing advice, education, training, coaching and encouragement to others.
• Utilizing best practices and techniques for addressing customer concerns.
• Conducting business-specific research, analyzing data, interpreting results and making recommendations.
• Consistently delivering against project and action plans, anticipating and overcoming issues and obstacles.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with Team Members at all organizational levels.
• Developing or assisting with the development of Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Process Flows, and Local Operating Procedure documents relating to policy and procedures.
• Monitoring production processes to identify potential issues for Pratt Industries or its customers and in conjunction with other departmental heads, implements corrective/preventive action(s).
• Provides guidance in the management of health, safety, and environmental functions, such as training, compliance and reporting, and various regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Submit weekly report to the Human Resources Manager.
• Attend Intern Summit to present project and findings.

 Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate student majoring in engineering or supply chain at the sophomore level or higher.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to assess processes and suggest improvements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and independently when required
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Enrolled in school pursuing a degree.
• Minimum current college Freshman entering Sophomore year in the fall

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent problem solving skills
• Process improvement skills
• High level of initiative and self-motivation
• Ability to plan and execute projects
• Ability to understand processes quickly
• Effective communication skills
• High desire to learn and implement new skills
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to interpret and apply department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and other applicable applications;

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, and other conditions found in manufacturing and laboratory environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Medium Work: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

3.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Responsible for developing and implementing sustainable process improvement and LEAN manufacturing initiatives. 
• Continuously providing high levels of customer service, continuous support and proactive involvement to customers, leadership and peers. 
• Championing ideas and suggestions to simplify and improve complex work processes. 
• Providing advice, education, training, coaching and encouragement to others. 
• Utilizing best practices and techniques for addressing customer concerns. 
• Conducting business-specific research, analyzing data, interpreting results and making recommendations. 
• Consistently delivering against project and action plans, anticipating and overcoming issues and obstacles. 
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with Team Members at all organizational levels. 
• Developing or assisting with the development of Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Process Flows, and Local Operating Procedure documents relating to policy and procedures. 
• Monitoring production processes to identify potential issues for Pratt Industries or its customers and in conjunction with other departmental heads, implements corrective/preventive action(s). 
• Provides guidance in the management of health, safety, and environmental functions, such as training, compliance and reporting, and various regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Enrolled in school pursuing a degree.
• Minimum current college Freshman entering Sophomore year in the fall

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent problem solving skills 
• Process improvement skills 
• High level of initiative and self-motivation 
• Ability to plan and execute projects 
• Ability to understand processes quickly 
• Effective communication skills 
• High desire to learn and implement new skills 
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to interpret and apply department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and other applicable applications; 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, and other conditions found in manufacturing and laboratory environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 

Medium Work: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  

Pratt Industries is America's 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 9,000 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 a 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.