Operations Co-op (Summer 2026)

Country

United States of America

State / County

California

City

Gardena

Division

EPD

Company

Permaswage Gardena

Function

Operations

Workplace Type

On-Site

Position type

Intern

Opportunity ID

21924

Job Description

Position Summary:

As an Operations Co-op, you will play a key role in supporting daily manufacturing operations within a high-performance aerospace environment focused on fluid fittings. This role is heavily hands-on, with approximately 70-80% of time spent on the production floor supporting forge pressing and CNC machining operations, and the remainder in an office setting analyzing data and driving improvements.

You will partner closely with operations, quality, and engineering teams to execute 6S initiatives, continuous improvement projects, and performance/quality audits. This role is designed to develop practical manufacturing and leadership skills while building a strong foundation in aerospace production systems.

Candidate must be able to work full-time (40 hrs/week as a co-op) or part-time (20 hrs/week as an intern) for a total of ~480 hours.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support daily production activities on the shop floor, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards
• Execute and sustain 6S initiatives (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety) across forge and machining areas
• Conduct process, quality, and performance audits, identifying gaps and driving corrective actions
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics such as scrap, first-pass yield, throughput, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE)
• Partner with engineering and operations to implement continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, cost reduction, and process capability
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (RCCA) for quality and production issues
• Support forge pressing and CNC machining operations through observation, data collection, and process verification
• Ensure compliance with work instructions, routers, and aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100 practices)
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment while identifying and mitigating safety risks
• Assist with production scheduling support, work order management, and documentation control
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operators, supervisors, quality, and engineering teams
• Participate in kaizen events, process trials, and new product/process introductions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills:

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with interest in manufacturing processes
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and solve problems
• Basic understanding of manufacturing principles (lean manufacturing, process flow, standard work)
• Familiarity with quality tools such as root cause analysis, Pareto charts, and basic statistical methods
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and process documentation
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively on the shop floor and with cross-functional teams
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); data analysis skills preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Experience:

• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment (internship, co-op, or prior work)
• Exposure to forging, metal forming, or CNC machining processes
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives (5S/6S, kaizen, value stream mapping)

Level of Education:

• Currently pursuing a BS Degree in Engineering and/or Business Management - Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering preferred. Must have completed at least their freshman year.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands outlined here represent those required to perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.
• Daily tasks may include using hands to handle materials and equipment, reaching with hands and arms, and communicating verbally.
• Occasional tasks may require standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Specific vision abilities, such as close vision and color vision, and the ability to adjust focus are needed.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here represent those encountered while performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.
• The work environment may involve occasional exposure to airborne particles and vibrations.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Job attendance, commitment to safety and quality, collaborative working and respect in the workplace are some of the job duties which may be impacted by a criminal history.

For informational purposes only, the range of pay for this role is $21 to $25 US Dollar (USD) Hourly based on a variety of factors. Employees will receive 0 hours paid time off every year. Employees will also receive 10 paid holidays. Employees (and their families) are eligible to participate in the company's medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Company's 401(k) plan.


This position requires use of information or access to production processes subject to national security controls under U.S. export control laws and regulations (including, but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)). To comply with those regulations, this position may require applicants to be U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Company Profile

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability - not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.

Precision Castparts Corp. and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited resumes will become the property of Precision Castparts Corp & its affiliates, and no fee will be paid.