Description

JWP is seeking a Junior Industrial Engineer (Co-op) to support a comprehensive cycle time, setup time, and rate validation study across our manufacturing operations. This role will focus on collecting, analyzing, and validating standard cycle times and production rates across approximately 60 work centers, including welding, presses, assembly, and paint lines.

In addition to conducting time studies, the role will include daily monitoring of system-calculated rates and operator clocking accuracy to ensure production data aligns with actual shop-floor performance. The goal is to establish accurate, current, and reliable rates that reflect real operating conditions.

This is a hands-on, shop-floor–focused role ideal for a college co-op student pursuing Industrial Engineering or a related field.

What This Role Offers

Hands-on experience in time studies, labor standards, and rate validation
Exposure to real manufacturing data systems and production reporting
Direct involvement in decisions impacting capacity, planning, and costing
A high-impact co-op project with measurable operational outcomes

Key Responsibilities

Time Study & Work Measurement

Conduct time studies and work sampling across ~60 manufacturing work centers
Observe and document manual and automated processes, including:
- Welding operations
- Press operations
- Assembly processes
- Paint line operations
Measure and document cycle times, labor content, delays, and variability

Setup Time & Configuration Analysis

Analyze and document setup and changeover times for different tank configurations and product variants
Capture variations caused by tooling, fixtures, part mix, and process sequencing
Validate setup procedures with operators and supervisors

Rate Monitoring & System Accuracy Validation

Daily monitoring of production rates by work center
Review and analyze operator clock-in / clock-out data
Validate whether the manufacturing system is calculating accurate rates based on actual labor and cycle times
Compare system-reported rates against:
- Observed shop-floor performance
- Time study results
Identify gaps caused by:
- Incorrect clocking practices
- System configuration issues
- Process variability or downtime
Document discrepancies and support corrective actions

Data Analysis & Reporting

Compile time study and rate monitoring data into standardized reporting formats
Calculate and recommend updated standard cycle times and rates
Track accuracy trends between system data and observed performance
Prepare clear summaries, charts, and findings for Engineering and Operations
Present results and recommendations to Steven and plant leadership

Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with Operations, Engineering, and Production Supervisors
Communicate professionally with operators during observations and validations
Ensure consistency and repeatability in time study and monitoring methods
Provide regular progress updates and final project documentation

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

Currently enrolled in an accredited College or University Engineering program, preferably:
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (manufacturing focus)
Ability to work on-site full-time in a manufacturing environment
Strong analytical and observational skills
Comfortable working on the shop floor and engaging with operators
Proficiency in Excel (data analysis, formulas, basic reporting)

Preferred

Coursework or exposure to:
- Work measurement and time studies
- Labor standards and rate setting
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement
Previous co-op, internship, or shop-floor experience
Familiarity with ERP or manufacturing execution systems (MES)

Skills & Competencies

Detail-oriented with strong data accuracy focus
Organized and methodical approach to repetitive measurements
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently while coordinating with multiple departments
Professional and respectful approach when validating operator activity