Process Improvement Intern
Pratt Industries, Newnan, GA, United States
Position Summary
The Process Improvement Intern will work directly with the Process Improvement Manager in a packaging manufacturing environment. The role provides hands‑on exposure to operational excellence, Lean manufacturing systems, quality management systems, production analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration. The intern will observe, support, and participate in real‑time improvement initiatives across corrugator and converting operations.
This is not a clerical position and the intern will be embedded on the production floor and in data analysis activities.
Pratt (Impress Manufacturing), Inc. is looking for a motivated Process Improvement Intern to join our team for Summer 2025. The internship will end with the Intern Summit at Pratt Corporate Headquarters where interns will present their projects to the executive team.
Key Responsibilities
Shadow the Process Improvement Manager & Plant Manager during daily production meetings, Gemba walks, downtime reviews, quality investigations, and cross‑functional improvement discussions.
Assist in collecting and organizing operational data (waste %, downtime minutes, setup time, throughput, etc.).
Support analysis of machine performance across equipment.
Help build and update dashboards in Excel or Google Sheets.
Observe and document standard work processes.
Participate in Lean initiatives (5S audits, DMS boards, layered process audits, etc.).
Assist with development of work instructions and visual management tools.
Support root‑cause analysis efforts using structured problem‑solving methods.
Prepare summary reports or one‑page presentations on assigned projects.
Develop and implement sustainable process‑improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
Provide high levels of customer service and proactive support to customers, leadership, and peers.
Champion ideas and suggestions to simplify and improve complex work processes.
Provide coaching, education, and encouragement to others.
Conduct research, analyze data, interpret results, and make recommendations.
Deliver on project and action plans, anticipating and overcoming issues.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members at all levels.
Assist with or develop Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Process Flows, and Local Operating Procedure documents.
Monitor production processes to identify potential issues and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Assist with guidance in health, safety, and environmental functions, including training and compliance.
Submit weekly reports to the Human Resources Manager.
Attend the Intern Summit to present projects and findings.
Learning Outcomes
Basic manufacturing flow.
Key production KPIs (waste %, run rate, unplanned downtime, setup time).
Fundamentals of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
How quality systems integrate into daily operations.
How data drives operational decision‑making in manufacturing.
Qualifications
Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
Strong analytical mindset.
Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets.
Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.
Strong communication skills.
Willingness to ask questions and engage on the production floor.
Strong problem‑solving skills.
Process‑improvement skills.
High level of initiative and self‑motivation.
Ability to plan and execute projects.
Ability to understand processes quickly.
Effective communication skills.
High desire to learn and implement new skills.
Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other applicable software.
Physical Requirements
Ability to walk the production floor for extended periods; ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toe footwear); reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, feel, talk, hear, see, and repetitive motions.
Medium work: ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Professional Expectations
Maintain professional conduct on the production floor.
Respect safety protocols at all times.
Demonstrate curiosity and initiative.
Maintain confidentiality of operational data.
Work Environment
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, and other conditions found in manufacturing and laboratory environments.
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The Process Improvement Intern will work directly with the Process Improvement Manager in a packaging manufacturing environment. The role provides hands‑on exposure to operational excellence, Lean manufacturing systems, quality management systems, production analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration. The intern will observe, support, and participate in real‑time improvement initiatives across corrugator and converting operations.
This is not a clerical position and the intern will be embedded on the production floor and in data analysis activities.
Pratt (Impress Manufacturing), Inc. is looking for a motivated Process Improvement Intern to join our team for Summer 2025. The internship will end with the Intern Summit at Pratt Corporate Headquarters where interns will present their projects to the executive team.
Key Responsibilities
Shadow the Process Improvement Manager & Plant Manager during daily production meetings, Gemba walks, downtime reviews, quality investigations, and cross‑functional improvement discussions.
Assist in collecting and organizing operational data (waste %, downtime minutes, setup time, throughput, etc.).
Support analysis of machine performance across equipment.
Help build and update dashboards in Excel or Google Sheets.
Observe and document standard work processes.
Participate in Lean initiatives (5S audits, DMS boards, layered process audits, etc.).
Assist with development of work instructions and visual management tools.
Support root‑cause analysis efforts using structured problem‑solving methods.
Prepare summary reports or one‑page presentations on assigned projects.
Develop and implement sustainable process‑improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
Provide high levels of customer service and proactive support to customers, leadership, and peers.
Champion ideas and suggestions to simplify and improve complex work processes.
Provide coaching, education, and encouragement to others.
Conduct research, analyze data, interpret results, and make recommendations.
Deliver on project and action plans, anticipating and overcoming issues.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members at all levels.
Assist with or develop Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Process Flows, and Local Operating Procedure documents.
Monitor production processes to identify potential issues and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Assist with guidance in health, safety, and environmental functions, including training and compliance.
Submit weekly reports to the Human Resources Manager.
Attend the Intern Summit to present projects and findings.
Learning Outcomes
Basic manufacturing flow.
Key production KPIs (waste %, run rate, unplanned downtime, setup time).
Fundamentals of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
How quality systems integrate into daily operations.
How data drives operational decision‑making in manufacturing.
Qualifications
Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
Strong analytical mindset.
Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets.
Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.
Strong communication skills.
Willingness to ask questions and engage on the production floor.
Strong problem‑solving skills.
Process‑improvement skills.
High level of initiative and self‑motivation.
Ability to plan and execute projects.
Ability to understand processes quickly.
Effective communication skills.
High desire to learn and implement new skills.
Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other applicable software.
Physical Requirements
Ability to walk the production floor for extended periods; ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toe footwear); reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, feel, talk, hear, see, and repetitive motions.
Medium work: ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Professional Expectations
Maintain professional conduct on the production floor.
Respect safety protocols at all times.
Demonstrate curiosity and initiative.
Maintain confidentiality of operational data.
Work Environment
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals, oils, and other conditions found in manufacturing and laboratory environments.
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