Industrial Engineering & Operational Excellence Intern
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
This internship is designed for undergraduate students pursuing Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline who are seeking hands-on exposure to Industrial Engineering and Operational Excellence in a manufacturing environment.
The intern will support improvement projects focused on productivity, capacity, labor optimization, material flow, standard work, and waste reduction, while gaining practical experience in data analysis, shopfloor observation, and cross-functional problem-solving within the medical device industry.
What will you be doing?
The intern will support Industrial Engineering initiatives by conducting studies such as time and motion analysis, work sampling, and line balancing to identify productivity improvement opportunities. They will also be responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing manufacturing data to support capacity planning, manpower optimization, utilization tracking, and performance reporting.
In addition, the intern will contribute to process improvement efforts by assisting in the development of standard work, process documentation, and visual management tools. They will support layout and material flow analysis, participate in Operational Excellence activities such as 5S and root cause analysis, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvement actions. The role also involves preparing project updates, summarizing findings, and presenting recommendations to stakeholders.
What will you need to be successful?
The ideal candidate is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong interest in manufacturing operations, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making. They should demonstrate good analytical capability, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and contribute to improvement initiatives.
Exposure to manufacturing or operations-related activities through academic projects, coursework, internships, or part-time work will be an added advantage. The role is based in Batu Kawan, Penang, and offers an opportunity to build practical experience within a structured manufacturing environment.
The candidate is expected to possess strong technical and interpersonal competencies, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel and PowerPoint), effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. In addition, they should demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, good time management, and the ability to organize and synthesize information into actionable insights while managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
You.Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/
Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account , Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
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