Operations Co-op / Intern - Deer Creek

Position Summary The Operations Co‑op / Intern role is a hands‑on, leadership‑oriented experience designed for students who are interested in building a future career leading people in a manufacturing environment. This role provides immersive exposure to daily operations, production systems, and front‑line leadership within a high‑performance manufacturing organization. This is not a traditional technical or project‑only internship. Students will work directly alongside experienced operations leaders and spend the majority of their time on the production floor driving improvements, solving real operational problems, and delivering measurable results while learning how manufacturing systems are led, improved, and sustained. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Support daily production activities on the shop floor, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standardsExecute and sustain 6S initiatives (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety) across all production areasConduct process, quality, and performance audits, identifying gaps and driving corrective actionsMonitor and analyze key performance metrics such as scrap, first-pass yield, throughput, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE)Partner with engineering and operations to implement continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, cost reduction, and process capabilityAssist with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (RCCA) for quality and production issuesEnsure compliance with work instructions, routers, and aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100 practices)Maintain a clean and organized work environment while identifying and mitigating safety risksAssist with production scheduling support, work order management, and documentation controlCollaborate cross-functionally with operators, supervisors, quality, and engineering teamsParticipate in kaizen events, process trials, and new product/process introductionsPerform other duties as assigned Required Skills And Attributes Strong desire to pursue a career in Operations and manufacturing leadership, with interest in leading people and managing in a production environmentDemonstrated initiative and ownership; willingness to step in, ask questions, and take responsibility for improving outcomesInterest in continuous improvement, problem solving, and making practical, hands‑on process improvementsAbility to work effectively with frontline teams, including operators, supervisors, and cross‑functional partnersAbility to analyze processes and performance data, apply root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions that improve safety, quality, delivery, and costDemonstrated technical and mechanical acumen, including comfort working directly with manufacturing equipment, processes, and materials, and the ability to understand how and why production systems operate Level Of Education Currently pursuing a BS Degree in Operations Management, Engineering or Business Management at an accredited university. Must have completed at least the freshman year. Physical Demands Able and willing to work 15 - 25 hours per week on a consistent basis during the school semester. Full-time hours may be available during school breaks.Ability to work in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment and spend significant time on the production floor interacting with others.Daily tasks may include using hands to handle materials and equipment, reaching with hands and arms, and communicating verbally.Frequent tasks may require standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching.Lifting and/or moving of up to 35 pounds may be required.