Final Assembly & Operations Intern

Harsco is recognized for technical leadership and worldwide experience in virtually all major aspects of railway track maintenance.  We enable railroads to operate at peak efficiency over smooth, precisely aligned track that increases railway safety while reducing fuel consumption and other key operating costs. Our broad array of equipment and services support every type of railway operator, from major national and international railway systems, to short lines and high-speed urban transit networks.

Harsco Rail is seeking highly motivated and analytical Final Assembly / Operations Interns to join our team. This internship offers a comprehensive opportunity to contribute to operational excellence and continuous improvement within our final assembly and machine build areas. You will gain hands-on experience in data collection, process analysis, and documentation, directly impacting efficiency and quality. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Will include the following, but other duties may be assigned: 

• Data Collection & Analysis: 

• Conduct detailed observations and time studies of operations across various machine build areas. 

• Record and document precise steps in manufacturing and assembly processes. 

• Analyze process time data to identify and quantify excessive variation, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement. 

• Analyze takt time versus actual time on key assemblies to identify performance gaps. 

• Process Improvement & Lean Initiatives: 

• Assist with the creation or refinement of standard work documentation to optimize efficiency and consistency. 

• Support lean initiatives such as 5S audits, visual management improvements, Kaizen events, and layout improvements. 

• Identify Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) opportunities and conduct kitting analysis for subassemblies to improve material flow. 

• Contribute to root cause analysis and problem-solving activities. 

• Documentation & Training Support: 

• Help digitize and organize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other operational documentation. 

• Interview operators, team leads, and Manufacturing Engineers (MEs) to gather comprehensive process steps. 

• Observe production processes to accurately document tasks, incorporating safety and quality considerations. 

• Support training efforts by helping to prepare documentation for onboarding, utilizing diagrams, photos, and visual aids to enhance clarity. 

• Design flowcharts and diagrams to illustrate complex processes. 

• Collaboration & Presentation: 

• Present findings, analyses, and improvement recommendations to supervisors and team leads. 

• Attend team meetings and actively contribute to discussions. 

• Build a stronger connection between operations and Continuous Improvement by contributing to focused projects. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

• Analytical & Data-Driven: Strong ability to collect, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Proficiency in using data to identify trends and variations. 

• Process Observation & Documentation: Keen observation skills with the ability to accurately record and document detailed process steps. 

• Problem-Solving: An aptitude for identifying operational inefficiencies and contributing to practical solutions. 

• Lean Manufacturing Principles: Interest in or foundational understanding of Lean methodologies (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Takt Time). 

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate findings and recommendations. Experience with creating visual aids (diagrams, flowcharts) is highly beneficial. 

• Software Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in recording information and analyzing processes. 

• Collaboration & Initiative: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team, taking initiative to drive improvements. 

Benefits of this Internship: 

• Gain significant hands-on experience in operational analysis, process improvement, and lean manufacturing. 

• Develop critical skills in data collection, time studies, and standard work creation. 

• Opportunity to directly contribute to efficiency gains and quality improvements in a real-world manufacturing environment. 

• Learn from experienced professionals and build a strong foundation in continuous improvement methodologies. 

• Enhance presentation and interpersonal skills within a corporate setting. 

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

If you have a difficulty applying for any job posted on Harsco Rail’s website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Harsco Rail offers the following alternate application procedure: Contact Matthew Fink, HR Manager NoAM at 803-822-9160 and Harsco Rail will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job.  Please call only for disability application.