Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern summer 2027
Danaher Corporation
Summary
We are seeking a hands-on, action-oriented DBS Engineer Intern to drive operational excellence through the practical application of Danaher Business System (DBS) and Lean principles. This role is ideal for an engineering student who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys building and testing solutions in real time, and is passionate about solving complex problems through experimentation and iteration. You will lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply chain operations, using data, engineering rigor, and trystorming to deliver measurable results.
Job description
What you will do
- Design, build, and test process improvements using Lean tools such as 3P, Standard Work, and Visual Management.
- Lead trystorming sessions to rapidly prototype and validate new ideas directly on the shop floor.
- Apply industrial engineering techniques (e.g., time studies, layout optimization, capacity modeling) to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
- Facilitate and participate in Kaizen events, collaborating with operators, engineers, and leadership to identify and implement improvements.
- Develop and implement data-driven solutions using statistical analysis, simulations, and modeling to optimize performance.
- Support Hoshin Kanri and breakthrough objectives by translating strategic goals into executable engineering projects.
- Create and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to sustain improvements.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to design and implement production systems, including equipment layout, material flow, and ergonomics.
- Mentor and coach team members in Lean thinking and DBS tools through hands-on engagement and training.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure improvements are sustained and aligned with SQCDM goals.
Who You Are
- Current student working towards a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, business, or design.
- Demonstrated experience with hands-on process improvement, including prototyping, testing, and iteration.
- Strong knowledge of Lean tools: 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, 3P, Daily Management, and Visual Controls.
- Proficiency in data analysis and engineering tools (Excel, AutoCAD, Visio, simulation software).
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills; able to engage with all levels of the organization.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action.
Requirements
- Current student working towards a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, business, or design
- Demonstrated experience with hands-on process improvement, including prototyping, testing, and iteration
- Strong knowledge of Lean tools: 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, 3P, Daily Management, and Visual Controls
- Proficiency in data analysis and engineering tools (Excel, AutoCAD, Visio, simulation software)
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action
Company overview
Danaher Corporation is a leading global science and technology innovator headquartered in Washington, D.C., specializing in biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics. Founded in 1984 by brothers Steven and Mitchell Rales, the company has evolved from its origins as a manufacturing conglomerate into a premier healthcare technology organization with approximately 63,000 employees worldwide. Danaher operates through three core divisions: biotechnology (28% of revenues), which develops products for therapeutic development; life sciences (31% of revenues), focused on disease identification, new therapies, and drug testing/manufacturing; and diagnostics (41% of revenues), providing instruments, consumables, and software for disease diagnosis. The company's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Beckman Coulter, Cytiva, Pall Corporation, Cepheid, Leica Microsystems, and Abcam, serving pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, and research institutions globally. Danaher is distinguished by its Danaher Business System (DBS), a continuous improvement methodology that drives innovation and operational excellence. With 2024 revenues of $23.9 billion, the company ranks 180th on the Fortune 500 and plays a critical role in advancing scientific research, improving diagnostic capabilities, and accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.