Production Operations Associate - Summer Internship
Underground Printing, Ypsilanti, MI, United States
Overview
Underground Printing is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to join our team in an entry-level Operations & Production Support role within our custom apparel manufacturing facility.
Description
This is a hands-on, floor-based position that supports daily operations across screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG), and heat transfer production. The role plays a critical part in maintaining supply flow, supporting production teams, and driving efficiency through lean manufacturing practices.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and contributing to operational efficiency and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
Production Supply & Inventory Management
Maintain and restock supplies across screen print, embroidery, DTG, and heat press departments to ensure uninterrupted production flow
Monitor inventory levels, perform cycle counts, and support inventory accuracy across inks, garments, transfer materials, and consumables
Support and sustain Kanban systems to improve material flow, reduce waste, and minimize downtime
Identify supply gaps, overstock, and inefficiencies, and communicate opportunities for cost savings
Production Floor & Operational Support
Provide hands-on support across production departments, including:
Screen Printing (ink organization, staging, and press support)
Embroidery (thread, backing, and workstation readiness)
DTG (garment flow, pretreat support, supply staging)
Heat Press / Transfers (material prep and workflow support)
Assist with job staging, workflow organization, and general production needs
Support shipping, receiving, and fulfillment operations as needed
Cross-train across departments to build a strong understanding of production processes and constraints
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
Maintain and reinforce 5S standards across all production areas
Conduct routine floor audits to ensure organization, cleanliness, and adherence to standard work
Identify and escalate inefficiencies related to motion, material flow, overproduction, and downtime
Support Kaizen (continuous improvement) initiatives focused on improving throughput, reducing waste, and lowering operational costs
Assist in developing and sustaining visual management and standardized processes
Health, Safety & Facility Support
Participate in routine safety and facility walkthroughs
Identify hazards, organizational gaps, and non-compliance with safety standards
Support corrective actions and reinforce safe, efficient work practices
Help maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready environment
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Active, on-the-floor role within a production facility
Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and movement of materials
Exposure to production equipment and varying workflow demands
Flexibility to support different departments based on business needs
Growth Opportunity
This role provides a foundation for growth into operations leadership, production supervision, logistics, or continuous improvement roles. Team members will gain hands-on experience across multiple apparel decoration methods and develop a strong understanding of manufacturing operations.
Requirements
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary education in operations, supply chain, or engineering is a plus)
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
Willingness to take initiative and support multiple departments
Preferred :
Bachelor’s degree (or recent graduate) in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field
Exposure to lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Kanban)
Experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment
Basic data tracking or problem-solving skills
Familiarity with inventory processes or material flow concepts
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Underground Printing is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to join our team in an entry-level Operations & Production Support role within our custom apparel manufacturing facility.
Description
This is a hands-on, floor-based position that supports daily operations across screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG), and heat transfer production. The role plays a critical part in maintaining supply flow, supporting production teams, and driving efficiency through lean manufacturing practices.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and contributing to operational efficiency and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
Production Supply & Inventory Management
Maintain and restock supplies across screen print, embroidery, DTG, and heat press departments to ensure uninterrupted production flow
Monitor inventory levels, perform cycle counts, and support inventory accuracy across inks, garments, transfer materials, and consumables
Support and sustain Kanban systems to improve material flow, reduce waste, and minimize downtime
Identify supply gaps, overstock, and inefficiencies, and communicate opportunities for cost savings
Production Floor & Operational Support
Provide hands-on support across production departments, including:
Screen Printing (ink organization, staging, and press support)
Embroidery (thread, backing, and workstation readiness)
DTG (garment flow, pretreat support, supply staging)
Heat Press / Transfers (material prep and workflow support)
Assist with job staging, workflow organization, and general production needs
Support shipping, receiving, and fulfillment operations as needed
Cross-train across departments to build a strong understanding of production processes and constraints
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
Maintain and reinforce 5S standards across all production areas
Conduct routine floor audits to ensure organization, cleanliness, and adherence to standard work
Identify and escalate inefficiencies related to motion, material flow, overproduction, and downtime
Support Kaizen (continuous improvement) initiatives focused on improving throughput, reducing waste, and lowering operational costs
Assist in developing and sustaining visual management and standardized processes
Health, Safety & Facility Support
Participate in routine safety and facility walkthroughs
Identify hazards, organizational gaps, and non-compliance with safety standards
Support corrective actions and reinforce safe, efficient work practices
Help maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready environment
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Active, on-the-floor role within a production facility
Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and movement of materials
Exposure to production equipment and varying workflow demands
Flexibility to support different departments based on business needs
Growth Opportunity
This role provides a foundation for growth into operations leadership, production supervision, logistics, or continuous improvement roles. Team members will gain hands-on experience across multiple apparel decoration methods and develop a strong understanding of manufacturing operations.
Requirements
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary education in operations, supply chain, or engineering is a plus)
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
Willingness to take initiative and support multiple departments
Preferred :
Bachelor’s degree (or recent graduate) in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field
Exposure to lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Kanban)
Experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment
Basic data tracking or problem-solving skills
Familiarity with inventory processes or material flow concepts
#J-18808-Ljbffr