Lean Manufacturing Intern - Summer 2026

Opta Group • Warren, OH

6d

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated Lean Manufacturing Intern to support continuous improvement initiatives across our operations. This internship provides hands-on experience with lean principles, process optimization, and waste reduction strategies. The ideal candidate is analytical, eager to learn, and passionate about efficiency in manufacturing.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, VSM, Kanban).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with data analysis tools is a plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong willingness to learn and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying and implementing Lean Manufacturing improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Assist with project management and ROI analysis.
• Support Kaizen events, process mapping, and time studies to analyze and improve workflows.
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Help standardize work instructions and support 5S initiatives to improve workplace organization.
• Work cross-functionally with production, engineering, and quality teams to drive problem-solving initiatives.
• Participate in root cause analysis using tools such as PDCA, 8D, and A3 reports.
• Support the development of visual management tools and KPIs to track performance improvements.
• Provide documentation and reports on Lean project outcomes and recommendations.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience with Lean and Continuous Improvement projects in a real-world manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration and operational decision-making.
• Opportunity to develop data analysis, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Potential for future career opportunities within the company.
• Extended Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• Life, AD&D, and Dependent Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Match
• Competitive Compensation Program
• On Demand Pay (Dayforce Wallet)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees