For more than 100 years, Modine has solved the toughest thermal management challenges for mission-critical applications. Our purpose of Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World™ means we are always evolving our portfolio of technologies to provide the latest heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions. Through the hard work of more than 11,000 employees worldwide, our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments advance our purpose with systems that improve air quality, reduce energy and water consumption, lower harmful emissions, enable cleaner running vehicles, and use environmentally friendly refrigerants. Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (U.S.), with operations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. For more information about Modine, visit modine.com.
Position Description
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Co-op will support Lean and CI initiatives across the facility. This role is ideal for a student interested in applying engineering, problem-solving, and analytical skills in a hands-on manufacturing environment. The CI Co-op will assist in data collection, process analysis, standard work development, and improvement events while learning key Lean tools and methodologies. Flexibility to support off-shift activities will be required to accommodate project needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and participate in lean CI initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM, TPM, 8 wastes), including planning, execution, and sustainment.
- Proactively working in fast pace projects and changing needs of the projects per management request with roughly 80% on shop floor/project support and 20% on computer work
- Assist in conducting time studies, value stream mapping, capacity analysis, and cycle time/line balance studies to help optimize throughput.
- Help with the implementation and maintenance of the Daily Management System, including developing and updating Tier board papers.
- Assist in designing and implementing ergonomic material handling, optimized layouts, and workstations to streamline flow and promote safety.
- Perform data collection from the shop floor and summarize it into actionable insights for process improvements.
- Help develop, document, and maintain standard work, SOPs, and visual controls.
- Learn to use data-driven approaches to monitor KPIs (OEE, lead time, changeover time, inventory, safety incidents), and assist in root-cause analysis and corrective action.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams—operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering—to implement CI projects.
- Actively participate in and promote a Lean culture by assisting with training sessions and audits.
- Assist in creating AutoCAD layout scenarios for process improvements and facility upkeeping projects.
- Help maintain CI project logs, schedules, and follow-up items.
- Provide flexible support for projects and demonstrate a commitment to achieving project deliverables.
Required Education & Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Currently pursuing a BS or Masters in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related engineering field.
- Basic knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts (coursework or prior exposure preferred)
- Prior experience in manfuacturing process such as metal fabrication (lasers, press brakes, assembly), preferred
Technical Skills
- An interest in and a foundational understanding of Lean tools: VSM, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, TPM, PDCA, one-piece flow.
- Developing analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with Minitab or Power BI is a plus.
- Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is desirable.
Modine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Modine provides a competitive benefit package, which could include paid vacation, short term disability, 401(k), health, dental, vision, life insurance, flex spending benefits, tuition reimbursement, Health Savings Account and much more. Human Resources will provide more detail upon your hiring.
