Lean Manufacturing Intern (Spring 2027)

SWD INC • Addison Township, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

SWD Inc. is seeking a Spring 2027 Lean Manufacturing Intern for its Addison, Illinois facility. The internship is intended for current students pursuing a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Process Engineering who are interested in lean manufacturing and process improvement. The position is 100% on-site, and applicants must live in Illinois and be able to commute to the facility during the Spring semester.

The internship is expected to span the Spring semester, January through May, with starting and ending dates flexible around the intern’s classes and schedule. The role offers flexible hours of 24–35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and pays $18.00 per hour.

SWD Inc. is a metal finishing and fastener sorting company founded in 1980. It has over 250 employees and operates a 250,000-square-foot facility in Addison, Illinois. Job offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check, drug screen, and pre-employment physical. SWD is a drug-free workplace. The role uses AI-assisted tools in parts of the hiring process, as disclosed under Illinois law.

Requirements

• Be a current student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Process Engineering.
• Live in Illinois and be able to commute to the Addison, Illinois facility during the Spring semester.
• Have Microsoft Office Suite skills.
• Understand PC operating systems.
• Be detail oriented.
• Be able to prioritize well.
• Demonstrate strong follow-through with tasks and projects.
• Be a self-starter motivated by serving others.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Enjoy partnering with others to accomplish tasks.
• Be interested in learning more about the service manufacturing industry.
• Be regularly able to lift or move up to 40 pounds.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment.
• Successfully complete a background check, drug screen, and pre-employment physical as a condition of a job offer.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automation, analytics, or AI.

Responsibilities

• Support 5S actions and data collection efforts.
• Assist in process mapping and value stream analysis.
• Assist in identifying and implementing Lean tools and techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations and maintenance.
• Conduct research and analysis to support project objectives.

Benefits

• Paid internship at $18.00 per hour.
• Flexible hours and scheduling around classes and homework.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern