Continuous Improvement Intern

Eaton’s ES GEIS BLD division is currently seeking a Continuous Improvement Intern. This is a part-time co-op position slated to begin in January or February 2026.

The hourly rate for this position is $22.15 - $34.62 per hour.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What You’ll Do

Why Join Eaton?

At Eaton, we power what matters. Our commitment to operational excellence and sustainability drives us to continuously improve lives and the environment. As a Continuous Improvement Intern, you’ll play a vital role in our digital transformation journey, leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies and Lean principles to make a real impact.

Position Overview

Join a high-performing team dedicated to advancing Eaton’s Continuous Improvement and Industry 4.0 strategy. In this hands-on role, you’ll collaborate with CI leaders and cross-functional teams to optimize processes, implement smart manufacturing solutions, and drive measurable improvements in productivity and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CI leaders to identify, scope, and execute improvement projects aligned with the Eaton Business System (EBS).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Actively participate in Kaizen events and CI workshops to eliminate waste and enhance efficiency.
• Develop and update standard work documentation and visual management tools.
• Deploy Lean methodologies such as 5S, value stream mapping, and TPM to drive sustainable improvements.
• Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including IoT integration, predictive maintenance, and digital dashboard development.
• Assist in implementing Eaton-approved smart manufacturing technologies for real-time performance monitoring.
• Prepare and deliver clear, data-driven reports and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes to leadership.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Actively enrolled in an accredited university as a junior or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field).
• Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA (please don't round).
• Must be able to work a minimum of 20 - 25 hours per week.
• Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.
• Relocation is not provided for this role. Only candidates within a 50-mile radius of Troy, IL will be considered. Active-Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation.
  
  
  

Preferred

• Experience or coursework in Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts (IoT, smart sensors, data analytics, automation).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
  
  
  

What You’ll Gain

• Immersive experience in a global manufacturing environment.
• Direct exposure to Eaton Business System (EBS) and world-class CI practices.
• Opportunity to contribute to digital transformation projects using cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Inclusive, innovative culture that values diversity, learning, and your unique perspective.
  
  
  

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.

You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

To request disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.