What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lean Waste Reduction Engineering Intern position at Antunes?
This is an on-site position located in Carol Stream, IL.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Lean Waste Reduction Engineer Intern to join our Operations and Operations Engineering Team. In this position, you will support the implementation of lean principles across electro-mechanical assemblies, helping reduce waste, improve flow, and support overall operational efficiency. This role will involve hands-on process observation, data collection, mapping, and the application of Lean tools to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities.
This internship is ideal for a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student studying Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong interest in Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement.
Essential Role Responsibilities
Essential Skills & Role Qualifications:
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Lean Waste Reduction Engineer Intern to join our Operations and Operations Engineering Team. In this position, you will support the implementation of lean principles across electro-mechanical assemblies, helping reduce waste, improve flow, and support overall operational efficiency. This role will involve hands-on process observation, data collection, mapping, and the application of Lean tools to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities.
This internship is ideal for a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student studying Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong interest in Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement.
Essential Role Responsibilities
- Assist in implementing Lean principles across electro-mechanical assembly processes to identify, measure, and eliminate waste.
- Observe and document current workflows, material movement, and assembly sequences to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Conduct time studies, gather performance data, and analyze bottlenecks or inefficiencies within assembly processes.
- Support the development of value stream maps, process flow diagrams, and standardized work documentation.
- Collaborate with assembly operators, engineers, and supervisors to gather feedback, validate findings, and implement practical improvements.
- Participate in Lean initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities.
- Help propose and pilot solutions aimed at reducing waste, improving assembly flow, and enhancing ergonomics or efficiency.
- Assist in creating training materials, visual controls, and documentation to sustain improvements.
- Partner with other department Team Members to support and complete various responsibilities, projects, and/or tasks as necessary.
Essential Skills & Role Qualifications:
- Foundational understanding of Lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, VSM, waste identification, standard work).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and interacting with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with process mapping tools is a plus.
- Detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to take initiative and deliver high-quality results consistently.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited university/college program as a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student majoring in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar field.
- High school interns will be considered based on relevant skills and interests.