Operations Management Intern (Manufacturing focus)

Job Description

About Company

Komatsu is a global leader in the manufacturing of heavy equipment for construction, mining, forestry, and industrial sectors. Established in 1921, the company boasts a long-standing history rooted in quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu operates with facilities, distributors, and dealers in over 140 countries, employing more than 60,000 individuals worldwide.

Komatsu is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. The company values individuals from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions, aiming to create a workforce that mirrors the communities it operates within. They emphasize authenticity, ambition, and innovation in their pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion, striving together towards a sustainable future that creates shared value.

The company offers a dynamic and challenging work environment where employees can develop their skills and careers while contributing to a sustainable, clean-energy future. Komatsu encourages individuals seeking a company that values talent and potential to join their team and be part of a larger mission to shape the world.

Job Description

This is an Operations Management Intern (Manufacturing focus) position, offered as a Co-op/Internship, located on-site at Komatsu’s South Harbor location in Milwaukee’s Harbor District, Wisconsin, USA.

Start Date and Duration:
The target start date for this role is January 2026, extending through August 2026. There is potential for the internship to be extended into the Fall 2026 school semester. The position offers full-time hours during the summer and flexible part-time hours during the academic year.

Job Overview:
As an Operations Management Co-op/Intern, you will provide a range of support activities for the operations department. Your primary focus will be within the machinery factory and heat treat areas, which encompass CNC machinery and various heat-treating functions such as furnaces and induction hardeners. Activities will include administrative and tracking tasks to support efficient operations.

Key Job Responsibilities:
• Monitor and track aged Work In-Process (WIP).
• Assist with production order maintenance, including reviewing, updating, and maintaining records.
• Support tracking of dispatch compliance to ensure on-time production/delivery and adherence to production schedules.
• Analyze and interpret operational metrics to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement.
• Participate in time studies and Lean Manufacturing initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste or rework.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Update training matrices and staffing charts of production employees.

Qualifications/Requirements:
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or advanced degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Preferably a Sophomore or Junior standing, though Seniors will also be considered.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and personal time management, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills; ability to be creative and resourceful when needed.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite products (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Skills:
• Understanding of manufacturing systems, including machining or heat-treating processes.
• Knowledge of SAP or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems/software.
• Knowledge of data analytics software.

Milwaukee Internship Program Perks:
The Milwaukee Internship Program emphasizes community, collaboration, and innovation, offering several benefits:
• Networking Opportunities:
• Meet & greets with executive leadership.
• Volunteer Week.
• Appreciation Events.
• End-of-Summer Capstone presentations.
• Company-sponsored travel opportunities.
• Access to amenities at Milwaukee HQ’s, including a coffee shop, made-to-order cafeteria serving breakfast and lunch, and a free onsite fitness center.
• Potential for interns to return for future internships or join as full-time employees.
• Engagement in real-world project work alongside local, regional, and global team members.
• Mentorship from experienced subject-matter experts in your field.

Hiring Range:
The base pay for this role is listed as $NA. The actual offer will be determined based on a wide range of factors, including experience and location.