Operations Intern

Job Description

Operations Intern

IKO is a global leader in manufacturing roofing products with production facilities worldwide. We are currently seeking an Operations Intern to join our team of skilled professionals based at our Bismarck, Missouri plant.  This plant produces granules for our shingle plants in a high speed, continuous, asphalt shingle manufacturing process environment 

The Operations Intern will support the startup and commissioning of a roofing granule manufacturing plant by assisting with process development, documentation, equipment procurement, standard work creation, support equipment installation, and maintenance activities. This role provides hands-on experience helping build manufacturing systems from the ground up, including process flows, operating standards, and continuous improvement practices.   The right candidate will adhere to all prescribed safety standards and practices. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support plant startup and commissioning activities across production, engineering and maintenance functions 

• Handle vendor communications and coordination 

• Participate in lockout/tagout (LOTO) and safety procedures 

• Help organize equipment, tools, spare parts, and maintenance records 

• Establish and support housekeeping and reliability best practices 

• Assist with developing and documenting manufacturing processes for roofing granule production 

• Assist with procurement of equipment, from vendor interactions, spec sheet evaluation, equipment ordering, shipping and tracking, install, and commissioning 

• Create and update Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) for equipment, processes, and operating procedures 

• Observe and document raw material handling, crushing, screening, coating, firing, cooling, and packaging processes 

• Assist with process mapping, workflow layout, and startup readiness activities 

• Collect production and quality data to support process stabilization and optimization 

• Support engineering trials, process adjustments, and improvement initiatives 

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and EHS teams 

• Support continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, efficiency, and waste reduction 

• Learning Opportunities 

• Hands-on exposure to manufacturing plant startup and commissioning activities 

• Understanding of roofing granule manufacturing and coating processes 

• Introduction to process stabilization, ramp-up, and continuous improvement 

• Exposure to industrial safety, environmental controls, and compliance requirements 

• Development of cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving skills 

• Networking opportunities with many industrial equipment manufacturers and general contractors 

• Understanding of industrial safety standards and procedures 

• Collaboration with maintenance, operations, engineering, and EHS teams 

• Qualifications 

• Strong interest in manufacturing, process engineering, or startup environments 

• Comfortable working in a hands-on industrial setting 

• Basic understanding of process flow, data analysis, or documentation preferred 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic documentation tools 

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn 

• Strong organizational skills 

Work Environment 

Industrial manufacturing startup environment with exposure to dust, noise, heat, and moving equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hard hat, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes may be required.  Position involves standing, walking in production areas, and observing operations. 

Internship Details 

• Open Immediately 

• Duration: 3 months+ 

• Schedule:  Open to Full time or Part time  

• Normal Scheduled Hours: Day Shift 7 am to 3:30 pm (Flexible)