What are the responsibilities and job description for the Value Stream Mapping Intern position at 3A Composites USA?
Job Title: Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Internship (Summer 2026)
Location: Benton, KY
Department: Operations
Reports To: Engineering
Job Type: Internship
This role is fully on site daily in Benton, KY.
About 3A Composites:
3A Composites USA specializes in the manufacturing of leading substrates for the graphic display, architectural and framing markets in North America, South America and Central America. With manufacturing facilities in Benton, KY, Statesville, NC, and Glasgow, KY, and sales and marketing offices in Davidson, NC, our industry leading brands include: FOME-COR®, SINTRA®, GATOR®, DISPA®, DIBOND®, LUMEX® G and ALUCOBOND® PLUS. 3A Composites is part of the international 3A Composites Group, which belongs to the listed company Schweiter Technologies headquartered in Steinhausen, Switzerland. At 3A Composites we share common values of integrity and accountability, teamwork, trust & transparency that guide us in our dealings with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. More information about 3A Composites can be found at http://www.3acompositesusa.com.
Purpose of this role:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Intern to support our Benton facility operations team. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to analyze and improve material flow, facility layout, and operational efficiency within a manufacturing environment.
The intern will play a key role in updating facility layouts, documenting material movement, and identifying opportunities to streamline processes. This position is ideal for students pursuing careers in manufacturing, industrial engineering, operations, or continuous improvement.
In this position, you will…
- Update and maintain an accurate AutoCAD layout of the facility, including equipment, storage areas, and material staging locations
- Observe and document material flow from receiving through production to shipping
- Analyze employee movement, forklift traffic, and material handling processes
- Identify inefficiencies, congestion points, and opportunities for process improvement
- Evaluate storage locations, pallet usage, and space utilization
- Map current-state operations and workflows
- Analyze material handling and staging practices
- Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary movement and improve organization
- Contribute to data-driven recommendations for operational improvements
- Support development of recommendations to improve workflow, organization, and efficiency
- Compile findings and present actionable recommendations to plant leadership
The knowledge, skills, and abilities you will bring…
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
- Expected graduation date between December 2026 and May 2028
- Basic knowledge of AutoCAD or similar CAD software
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to observe, document, and analyze processes
- Basic understanding of manufacturing or industrial operations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer applications
- Strong communication and organizational skills