Materials Project Management Intern

About the role

Join our Materials Department as a Materials Project Management Intern and gain invaluable experience while leading key initiatives throughout our facility in Ripon, WI. Are you ready to dive into a dynamic, hands‑on internship that will shape your career in manufacturing operations?

Internship Details

Timeline: Summer Internship 2027 or Fall Co‑op 2027 (May‑December). Start Date: May 2027.

Responsibilities

• Key Projects and Responsibilities as a Materials Project Management Intern, you will lead three major initiatives:
  • Material Component Packaging Improvement
    • Design and implement improved packaging for material components
    • Create and execute project plans, timelines, and validation criteria
    • Engage stakeholders (suppliers, engineering, production) and secure buy‑in
    • Coordinate prototype development, testing, and feedback loops
    • Implement new packaging solutions into production and measure results
  • Material Handling Process Optimization
    • Analyze current material handling processes end‑to‑end (receiving to line‑side)
    • Conduct observations, time studies, and value‑stream mapping to identify bottlenecks
    • Develop a data‑driven improvement plan using lean principles
    • Pilot changes, track KPIs (safety, quality, delivery, cost), and standardize successful practices
  • Container Fleet Utilization
    • Collect and validate information on the current container fleet across the facility
    • Perform physical inventory counts, labeling, and condition assessments
    • Develop or enhance digital tracking methods to monitor container location and status
    • Analyze utilization across the production cycle and recommend fleet right‑sizing and flow improvements
    • Present findings and recommendations to leadership
• Daily Responsibilities
  • Coordinate with cross‑functional teams (Materials, Production, Engineering, Quality, Suppliers)
  • Track project metrics and milestones; report progress and risks
  • Maintain project documentation and update standard work as needed
  • Participate in team meetings and support continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Education
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following:
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Process Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Project Management
  • or relative field
  • Standing: At least a sophomore by the start of the internship/co‑op
  • Skills and Abilities
    • Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
    • Excellent communication and presentation skills
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
    • Basic understanding of lean manufacturing principles
    • Strong attention to detail
    • Ability to work independently and in teams
  • Physical Requirements
    • Ability to walk the production floor regularly
    • Capable of lifting and handling materials as needed
    • Extended periods of computer work
    • Standing, bending, and moving throughout the facility