Continuous Improvement Co-Op - Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Originally posted 10 September 2026 by the employer.

About the role

This Continuous Improvement Co-Op will support operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing and business processes at the Colorado Springs, CO site, with a focus on Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

What you'll do

• Support and facilitate Lean Manufacturing initiatives throughout the facility.
• Participate in Kaizen events focused on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Conduct Gemba walks to observe processes and identify opportunities.
• Assist with implementation and sustainment of 5S workplace organization programs.
• Identify and help eliminate the eight wastes of Lean (Transportation, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, Defects, and Underutilized Talent).
• Apply Six Sigma tools and methodologies to reduce process variation and improve capability.
• Assist with root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, and Process Mapping.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data and identify trends affecting productivity and quality.

What you'll need

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate (BS/BA) or graduate (MS) program graduating in December 2026 or later.
• Available to work 40 hours a week, M-F (8a-5p) beginning in January through June.
• Familiarity with university’s requirements to participate in a co-op program.

Skills: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen events, waste reduction, 5S, root cause analysis