Continuous Improvement Engineering Co-op

About the Role

SPXFlow is seeking a college co-op student to join the Mixing Industry Continuous Improvement Team. The student will assist with improvements to manufacturing processes focused on error and waste reduction, as well as material flow enhancements. Tools used will include SAP, A3 Problem Solving, Lean methodologies, MS Office Products, and AutoCAD. The co-op can expect to complete 1-2 A3 Projects and several smaller focus improvements.

Pay: $25.00/hour. Co-op term: Spring/Summer 2027 (double or single block).

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing production processes, identify work elements, time them, and optimize balance, focusing on assembly line flow, workstation design, ergonomics, and material flows.
• Develop and design tooling, fixtures, and simple equipment for new and existing products and processes.
• Create innovative solutions to complex engineering and manufacturing production problems through process analysis, product design knowledge, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials, while soliciting input from operators/production technicians.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
• Refine and enhance processes by applying continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing techniques.
• Facilitate and support visual management in a production environment.
• Evaluate capital equipment investments and prepare cost justifications.
• Design and prepare concept drawings for new or modified equipment, write equipment specifications, and manage implementation with outside vendors.
• Identify and implement solutions for issues related to safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Ensure product and process quality by designing testing methods, validating manufacturing processes, and establishing standards.
• Determine root causes of failures using statistical methods (e.g., design of experiment, SPC) and recommend changes in design, tolerances, or processing methods.
• Prepare documentation for new and existing processes, engineering procedures, work instructions, and standard work.
• Assist leadership in workload analysis and resource optimization.
• Design error-proof mechanisms and validate manufacturing processes to ensure quality.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through workshops, publications, networking, and professional societies.

Requirements

• Working toward a BS degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Pro-E/Creo, AutoCAD, and/or MasterCam is preferred.
• Ability to write specifications for complex equipment and work with vendors.
• Capability to write work instructions and related documentation.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience is preferred.
• Basic working knowledge of controls.
• A positive attitude and hands-on mentality.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently required to stand for long periods, operate machinery, and lift/move up to 40 pounds.
• Occasionally required to kneel, bend, stoop, walk, or work in high or precarious places.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Regularly works near moving mechanical parts and equipment of various sizes.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.