What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lean Manufacturing Intern - Summer 2026 position at Opta Group?
ABOUT OPTA
From our roots providing sand to local foundries in the 1880's, Opta has grown to an international group of companies committed to delivering optimal results for our customers. Opta's purpose is to create solutions that enhance productivity and set new standards for industrial performance. Our mission is to consistently deliver custom-engineered additives, specialty equipment and technical expertise that solves complex challenges, optimizes process and drives long-term success.
OPTA CORE VALUES
- SAFETY: We put safety first on our processes, our products and our culture to protect people and ensure long-term operational success.
- PEOPLE: We invest in our people because their expertise drives the solutions that power our success.
- CUSTOMERS: We build lasting partnerships by understanding our customers' challenges and delivering customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
- INNOVATION: We continually seek smarter, more effective and innovative ways to deliver solutions, blending creativity, data-driven insight and practical application.
- SUSTAINABILITY: We engineer solutions with efficiency, responsibility, and sustainability as our foundation, optimizing performance today, while strengthening the resilience of tomorrow's operations.
Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated Lean Manufacturing Intern to support continuous improvement initiatives across our operations. This internship provides hands-on experience with lean principles, process optimization, and waste reduction strategies. The ideal candidate is analytical, eager to learn, and passionate about efficiency in manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in identifying and implementing Lean Manufacturing improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
- Assist with project management and ROI analysis.
- Support Kaizen events, process mapping, and time studies to analyze and improve workflows.
- Collect and analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
- Help standardize work instructions and support 5S initiatives to improve workplace organization.
- Work cross-functionally with production, engineering, and quality teams to drive problem-solving initiatives.
- Participate in root cause analysis using tools such as PDCA, 8D, and A3 reports.
- Support the development of visual management tools and KPIs to track performance improvements.
- Provide documentation and reports on Lean project outcomes and recommendations.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, VSM, Kanban).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with data analysis tools is a plus.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Self-motivated with a strong willingness to learn and take initiative.
Benefits & Learning Opportunities:
- Hands-on experience with Lean and Continuous Improvement projects in a real-world manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to cross-functional collaboration and operational decision-making.
- Opportunity to develop data analysis, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Potential for future career opportunities within the company.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to access and navigate the production facility.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.
Opta offers a diverse compensation and benefit package that includes the following:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Opta USA, an Opta Group Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age (40-70), national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement).
- Extended Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
- Health Savings Account
- Life, AD&D, and Dependent Life Insurance
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) Match
- Competitive Compensation Program
- On Demand Pay (Dayforce Wallet)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Opta USA, an Opta Group Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age (40-70), national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement).
Salary : $17 - $20