Continuous Improvement Internship​/Co-op

Continuous Improvement Internship/Co-op

Are you a construction-minded professional with a passion for building and making a lasting impact in the industry? At EFCO, we don't just build concrete structures, we build careers, partnerships, and opportunities. Established in 1934, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that make construction safer and more efficient.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, EFCO is a growing, people-focused company committed to Quality, Integrity, Innovation, and Super Service. From engineering and design to manufacturing and field support, we help customers turn vision into reality while achieving the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC).

The Continuous Improvement Internship/Co-op role will support manufacturing continuous improvement efforts that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

This internship/co-op role will work directly with production and support teams to observe processes, analyze data, identify root causes, and help implement sustainable improvements using Lean methods. Additionally, this role will provide entry-level support for continuous improvement projects, kaizen events, standard work, and daily improvement activities.

This application is for our Continuous Improvement Internship/Co-op opening, which is expected to run from Spring 2027 through Summer 2027.

Safety & Shop-Floor Improvement (15%)

• Ensure safety requirements are followed during all continuous improvement activities.
• Observe work on the shop floor, identify potential hazards and process risks, and include safety in the evaluation and implementation of improvements.
• Report or correct unsafe equipment, acts, material revisions, and product deviations immediately.

Continuous Improvement Projects & Lean Implementation (40%)

• Support kaizen events and improvement projects from current-state observation through implementation and follow-up.
• Use Lean methods such as process mapping, waste identification, root cause analysis, 5S, visual management, and standard work.
• Assist with improvements to workflow, workstation and cell layout, material handling, and production flow.
• Work with cross-functional teams to test solutions, track actions, and help sustain completed improvements.

Data Analysis & Performance Improvement (25%)

• Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data related to labor, downtime, quality, capacity, and material flow.
• Conduct time studies and process observations to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
• Create clear summaries, dashboards, and visual management tools to communicate findings, establish baselines, and verify improvement results.

Standard Work, Documentation, & Team Contribution (10%)

• Develop and update standard work instructions, process documentation, and other visual standards in collaboration with operators, supervisors, engineers, and support departments.
• Demonstrate EFCO Core Values by acting with integrity, executing quality processes, embracing innovation, and delivering superior service through collaboration and accountability.

Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Education:

Must be pursuing a manufacturing-relevant four-year degree including, but not limited to:
Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Technology.

Experience:

Internship, co-op, academic project, or hands-on manufacturing experience preferred.

Leadership:
Ability to work collaboratively with production team members, supervisors, engineers, and support departments and to follow through on assigned improvement actions.

Computer

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint required.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Visio, AutoCAD, or other data visualization and process-mapping tools preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical instructions.
• High mechanical aptitude with the ability to…