Lean Operations Academic Practicum

Momentive Technologies•Strongsville, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Momentive Technologies is offering an on-site Academic Practicum for Case Western Reserve University students interested in applying Lean manufacturing and operational excellence concepts within a real-world manufacturing environment. Working alongside Operations Excellence and manufacturing leaders in the Ceramics, Powders & Shapes (CPS) production area, participants will gain practical exposure to 5S methodology, workplace organization, visual management, and continuous improvement principles. Through a structured learning experience, students will observe production processes, analyze workflow and workplace organization, identify opportunities to reduce waste and inefficiency, and develop recommendations to improve factory-floor organization and operational effectiveness. Participants will receive guidance and feedback from experienced manufacturing professionals while applying classroom concepts to an active business challenge. The practicum culminates in the development and presentation of a project recommendation to company leadership. This unpaid academic experience is intended to support the participant's educational and professional development, complement formal academic studies, and provide practical exposure to Lean manufacturing practices in a technologically advanced manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Currently enrolled at Case Western Reserve University in a degree program related to operations management, supply chain management, engineering, business, organizational leadership, analytics, or another field relevant to the practicum’s learning objectives.
Eligible to participate in the applicable Case Western Reserve University academic practicum, experiential-learning, independent-study, or faculty-sponsored project structure.
In good academic standing and able to obtain all required university, faculty, and program approvals before beginning the practicum.
Academic exposure to, or demonstrated interest in, Lean operations, 5S, continuous improvement, manufacturing, process analysis, workplace organization, visual management, or operational excellence.
Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a student project team and interact professionally with manufacturing employees, subject-matter experts, supervisors, and academic representatives.
Ability to observe workplace activities objectively and organize findings into clear, fact-based written and visual formats.
Effective analytical, problem-solving, listening, written-communication, and presentation skills.
Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow established project boundaries, safety requirements, confidentiality obligations, and supervisor instructions.
Capacity to distinguish educational observations and recommendations from authorized company decisions or instructions to employees.
Commitment to participate on-site at Momentive Technologies’ Strongsville, Ohio facility according to the schedule approved by the university and company.
Willingness to comply with manufacturing-facility requirements, including completion of required safety training and use of required personal protective equipment.
Comfort to sign and comply with an applicable nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement before receiving access to confidential company information.
Ability to satisfy any legally supportable export-control or controlled-information access requirements applicable to the specific project activities.
If applicable, authorization from Case Western Reserve University and the appropriate governmental authority before beginning the practicum, including any authorization required for an international student’s off-campus participation.

Responsibilities

Participate in facility orientation, safety training, and required confidentiality requirements before beginning project activities.
Learn and apply Lean manufacturing and 5S principles within a production environment under the guidance of Momentive Technologies personnel.
Observe manufacturing processes within the Ceramics, Powders & Shapes (CPS) production area to develop an understanding of current operations.
Analyze workflow, workplace organization, material flow, and visual management practices to identify improvement opportunities.
Document observations and evaluate potential sources of waste, inefficiency, and workplace disorganization using structured problem-solving techniques.
Develop recommendations for improved workplace layouts, visual controls, and sustainable 5S standards.
Collaborate with manufacturing leaders and operational subject matter experts to refine observations and project recommendations.
Create project deliverables that may include process maps, workplace organization concepts, visual management examples, and continuous improvement recommendations.
Participate in periodic project reviews and receive coaching and feedback throughout the practicum experience.
Prepare and present a final project summary and recommendations to company leadership, highlighting opportunities to improve workplace organization, safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
Maintenance record of spare parts within SAP and safety stock verification with automatic reorder points.