Operations Co-Op

About the role

Our site in Hillsboro, OR is seeking an Operations Co-Op to join our team for the Spring 2027 season. This assignment is intended to be 6 months in duration. This role provides a unique opportunity for a student to gain hands-on operations leadership experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment supporting the CMP Polishing Pads business. As an Operations Co-op, you will partner with production supervisors, engineers, technicians, operators, and cross-functional teams to support daily manufacturing operations and strategic improvement initiatives. You will contribute to projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, employee engagement, and operational excellence while developing leadership, problem-solving, and business management skills in a manufacturing environment. This position may support manufacturing operations within Thermoset Compression Molding, Machining, Lamination, Automation, or other manufacturing areas based on business needs and project assignments. This position reports to the Senior Operations Manager.

Responsibilities

• Support daily manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of CMP polishing pads.
• Analyze operational performance metrics related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Partner with production supervisors and operators to identify and implement process improvements.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions associated with operational, quality, or safety issues.
• Assist in the coordination and execution of continuous improvement projects across manufacturing departments.
• Support workforce engagement initiatives, training programs, and employee development efforts.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards, visual management tools, and performance reporting.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and EHS teams to support business objectives.
• Evaluate production workflows and recommend improvements to throughput, efficiency, and resource utilization.
• Participate in daily operating reviews, leadership meetings, and production planning activities.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and business cases to site leadership.
• Complete a meaningful operations-focused project with measurable business impact during the co-op assignment.

Requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to collect, organize, and interpret operational and business data. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications. Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment. Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across functions. Demonstrated leadership through coursework, student organizations, research, athletics, military service, or other extracurricular activities preferred. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Power BI, project management, or process improvement tools is a plus but not required. Prior internship, co-op, leadership, manufacturing, operations, or business experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Expected graduation date between December 2027 and June 2030. Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university throughout the duration of the co-op.

Skills

Analytical, problem-solving, communication, Microsoft Office, teamwork, interpersonal, leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Power BI, project management, process improvement.

Eligibility

• Must be a currently enrolled student.
• Must be familiar with the university’s requirements to participate in a co-op program.