Engineering Co-Op

Program Summary The purpose of Southwire’s College Programs is to help early career professionals bring together formal learning and productive work to improve their ability to transition from school to work. Southwire provides interns and co-ops with “real world” applications of their academic studies, helpful feedback and coaching, and consideration for employment after graduation. Each student will have a variety of responsibilities and assigned projects that relate to their field of study and be responsible for developing a timeline, progress updates, and final delivery in a senior leadership expo. Note: All new interns and co-ops must begin in the summer rotation. Ready to explore new horizons in your own development as a Southwire Intern or Co-op and help us power what’s possible?

Program Overview · Your intern assignment is generally 10-12 weeks, and co-op assignment is generally 16-18 weeks and will include an assigned project and opportunities to present your work. · You will also collaborate on other exciting projects and work with talented peers and inspirational leaders, many of whom began as interns and co-ops themselves. · You will be provided a robust developmental experience through an immersive onboarding and offboarding experience, assigned a mentor, networking opportunities, organized events, activities, and community service /volunteer initiatives. · You will have the opportunity to impact the future of the organization, all the while being exposed to a world-class program community. · Finally, our rising senior interns and co-ops are considered for full-time employment opportunities.

Project Description The Engineering Co-op supports daily plant operations and continuous improvement initiatives that move the cable manufacturing facility toward operational excellence. Working closely with process engineers, operations, maintenance, quality, and other cross-functional teams, the co-op will help troubleshoot production issues, analyze process performance, and implement practical solutions that improve safety, quality, reliability, throughput, and cost. The student will be given an individual project to prioritize throughout the summer that addresses a meaningful plant need and provides measurable operational benefit. The student will develop a project plan, balance the project with team-based priorities, independently drive assigned actions, and present results and recommendations at the end of the co-op term.

Description of Responsibilities

• Demonstrate an self-motivated approach by taking initiative, following through on commitments, and proactively addressing assigned priorities and opportunities for improvement.
• Support process engineers with projects that optimize cable manufacturing operations, including conductor processing, stranding, extrusion, cabling, screening, jacketing, testing, and material handling activities, as applicable.
• Spend time on the production floor observing equipment and workflows, gathering data, and helping resolve safety, quality, downtime, and productivity concerns.
• Assist with structured problem-solving and root-cause investigations using data, process observations, trials, and input from operators and maintenance personnel.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize manufacturing data such as downtime, scrap, yield, speed, setup time, process variation, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Support continuous improvement efforts using tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, time studies, process mapping, and basic Lean or Six Sigma methods.
• Help plan, execute, and document process trials, equipment evaluations, product qualifications, and improvement experiments.
• Create or update process sheets, work instructions, standard operating procedures, training materials, checklists, and technical reports.
• Assist with equipment, tooling, fixture, layout, automation, and ergonomic improvement projects, including development of requirements and coordination with vendors when needed.
• Participate in safety reviews, risk assessments, housekeeping initiatives, and corrective actions; follow all plant environmental, health, safety, and quality requirements.
• Track project actions, schedules, risks, costs, and results, and communicate progress to plant stakeholders.
• Collaborate professionally with production employees, supervisors, engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and external suppliers or contractors.
• Complete one or more individual projects with measurable objectives and present recommendations, results, and lessons learned at the end of the co-op term.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• AutoCAD experience
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree in sustainability, engineering, science, business, or related field
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work
• Proven working experience in a team environment
• Experience in systems thinking and process management
• Strong organization, planning and analytical skills
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

In addition to above, Co-ops must include:

• Co-ops will complete 3 rotations for a 1.5 year commitment. The co-op will need to still be enrolled in school during these semesters to be eligible.
• Ability to work 40-hour work weeks during rotation

Benefits We Offer:

• 401k with Matching & Pension Plan (Eligible for Pension after 1,000 Hours Worked)
• Flexible Work Schedules

Southwire is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disab