Manufacturing Intern - Fall 2026

Avient • Avon Lake, OH

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manufacturing Intern will support day-to-day operations, process improvement initiatives, safety activities, and production-related projects within the Specialty Engineered Materials manufacturing facility. This role provides hands-on exposure to manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, quality systems, maintenance coordination, and plant leadership while helping the team improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and overall performance. This position will support the Avon Lake Specialty Engineered Materials manufacturing facility and will work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, warehouse, and EHS teams. The intern may support both office-based and plant-floor activities depending on project needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Prior internship, manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, maintenance, or operations experience preferred but not required.
• Strong interest in manufacturing operations, process improvement, safety, quality, and problem solving.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and follow all plant rules and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and summarize findings clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Positive attitude, curiosity, professionalism, and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• Prior internship, manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, maintenance, or operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing operations by assisting with production data collection, process observations, standard work documentation, and operational follow-up.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, waste reduction, changeover improvement, and cost savings.
• Assist with tracking and reporting key performance indicators such as production performance, downtime, scrap, first-pass quality, inventory accuracy, and safety actions.
• Support root cause analysis activities by gathering data, documenting findings, and helping identify corrective actions.
• Partner with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, warehouse, and EHS teams to complete assigned projects and improve plant processes.
• Help document standard operating procedures, work instructions, training materials, and visual management tools.
• Participate in GEMBA walks, team meetings, project reviews, and other operational routines to gain exposure to manufacturing leadership practices.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, housekeeping, compliance, and professional conduct in all work areas.
• Perform other duties and project work as assigned.

Benefits

• Gain practical exposure to manufacturing leadership, plant operations, safety systems, quality processes, and continuous improvement tools.
• Build experience using data to support operational decisions and performance improvement.
• Develop project management, communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Contribute to meaningful projects that improve safety, efficiency, reliability, cost, and employee engagement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED