Process Engineering Co-Op (Manufacturing)

Location: Clare, Ireland; onsite at the Shannon manufacturing site, with up to 50% of time on the production floor. The placement runs for six months during 2027, with dates to be agreed.

Company

ITW Performance Polymers manufactures high-performance polymer and adhesive products within ITW’s decentralized, entrepreneurial organization.

What you will do

• Observe production activities, speak with operators, and map batch manufacturing processes, equipment use, operating parameters, and quality checks.
• Draft, review, and update SOPs, work instructions, process maps, and supporting manufacturing documentation.
• Compare procedures with current practices and identify gaps or inconsistencies with Engineering, Production, Quality, EHS, and related teams.
• Collect and analyze process data to identify variation, delays, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Support troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, risk reviews, procedure-change communication, and training materials.
• Plan and deliver an agreed documentation or process improvement project, including findings, recommendations, and a handover presentation.

Requirements

• Currently studying an engineering degree with a placement as part of the course in Engineering Technology Management, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Systems, Precision Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Interest in manufacturing processes and equipment, with willingness to spend time on the production floor and learn from operators and engineers.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical information accurately and logically.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, task management, and ability to meet agreed deadlines.
• Comfort using Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, information organization, and basic data analysis.
• Willingness to ask questions, collaborate across teams, follow site safety requirements, and seek guidance when needed.

Nice to have

• Coursework or project exposure to Lean/Six Sigma, quality systems, process mapping, technical documentation, or data analysis.
• Previous manufacturing experience is welcome but not essential.

Culture & Benefits

• Entrepreneurial, decentralized culture with a “flexibility within the framework” approach.
• Growth and development opportunities focused on individual potential.
• Environment that encourages ownership, initiative, integrity, respect, trust, and shared responsibility.
• Six-month onsite placement during 2027 with project guidance from the Engineering Manager and experienced engineers.
• Course reports and presentations may be prepared using company information after review by the workplace supervisor.