Intern - Operations/Production Management (Summer 2027)

Plexus Corp. partners with companies in aerospace and defense, healthcare and life sciences, and industrial markets to design, manufacture, and service transformative products. The Production Management Intern supports production leadership with operational oversight, KPI tracking, production planning, continuous improvement, quality assurance, compliance, and team leadership activities in a manufacturing environment.

What you'll do:

• **Performance Tracking:** Assist in monitoring and reporting on key manufacturing metrics, including On-Time Delivery (OTD), scrap reduction, yield, and overall productivity
• **Production Planning:** Participate in the review of daily and weekly production targets and schedules, and support capacity analysis to meet business objectives
• **Operational Meetings:** Attend and contribute to Operation Review meetings and shift handoff sessions to understand critical production needs and equipment status
• **Administrative Support:** Maintain accurate records of production output, quality checks, and equipment status
• **Communication:** Coordinate with production associates, leads, and operations managers to ensure production goals are consistently met
• **LEAN Support:** Assist in the implementation of LEAN projects aimed at improving labor efficiency and waste reduction
• **Factory Standards:** Participate in GEMBA tours and support the execution of 6S improvement plans for optimized floor layouts
• **Process Improvement:** Identify bottlenecks in production and propose data-driven solutions for efficiency. Utilize lean manufacturing principles to drive focus factory performance
• **Quality Standards:** Assure that product and process quality is compliant with internal, industry, and customer quality standards (e.g., IPC Standards, ISO, GMP)
• **Defect Management:** Support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for defects or rejects produced during manufacturing cycles
• **Safety Protocols:** Monitor the production floor to ensure adherence to workplace health and safety (EHS) and RBA compliance
• **Labor Planning:** Shadow management to learn effective direct labor staffing and the development of results-focused teams

What they're looking for:

• Proficiency in data analysis to assist in LCM forecasting, metric reporting, and capacity analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis (e.g., 8D or similar methodologies)
• Professional written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction across site associates and management
• Ability to handle complex manufacturing issues in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of lean and six sigma concepts
• Student working towards a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field for entire duration of internship
• Junior level status or higher
• GPA: 3.0 or higher is preferred
• PCB Assembly processes (SMT), Lean Manufacturing, and Quality Systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects or teams through academic or extracurricular activities
• Excellent organizational skills

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings
• Opportunities for professional development
• A variety of perks to enhance the team member experience
• An inclusive culture where every team member is valued
• Various development programs designed to accelerate your growth