Production Operations Associate - Summer Internship

Position Overview

Underground Printing is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated individual to join our team in an entry-level Operations & Production Support role within our custom apparel manufacturing facility.

This is a hands-on, floor-based position that supports daily operations across screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG), and heat transfer production. The role plays a critical part in maintaining supply flow, supporting production teams, and driving efficiency through lean manufacturing practices.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and contributing to operational efficiency and cost control.

Key Responsibilities

Production Supply & Inventory Management

• Maintain and restock supplies across screen print, embroidery, DTG, and heat press departments to ensure uninterrupted production flow
• Monitor inventory levels, perform cycle counts, and support inventory accuracy across inks, garments, transfer materials, and consumables
• Support and sustain Kanban systems to improve material flow, reduce waste, and minimize downtime
• Identify supply gaps, overstock, and inefficiencies, and communicate opportunities for cost savings

Production Floor & Operational Support

• Provide hands-on support across production departments, including:
  • Screen Printing (ink organization, staging, and press support)
  • Embroidery (thread, backing, and workstation readiness)
  • DTG (garment flow, pretreat support, supply staging)
  • Heat Press / Transfers (material prep and workflow support)
• Assist with job staging, workflow organization, and general production needs
• Support shipping, receiving, and fulfillment operations as needed
• Cross-train across departments to build a strong understanding of production processes and constraints

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and reinforce 5S standards across all production areas
• Conduct routine floor audits to ensure organization, cleanliness, and adherence to standard work
• Identify and escalate inefficiencies related to motion, material flow, overproduction, and downtime
• Support Kaizen (continuous improvement) initiatives focused on improving throughput, reducing waste, and lowering operational costs
• Assist in developing and sustaining visual management and standardized processes

Health, Safety & Facility Support

• Participate in routine safety and facility walkthroughs
• Identify hazards, organizational gaps, and non-compliance with safety standards
• Support corrective actions and reinforce safe, efficient work practices
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready environment

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Active, on-the-floor role within a production facility
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and movement of materials
• Exposure to production equipment and varying workflow demands
• Flexibility to support different departments based on business needs

Growth Opportunity

This role provides a foundation for growth into operations leadership, production supervision, logistics, or continuous improvement roles. Team members will gain hands-on experience across multiple apparel decoration methods and develop a strong understanding of manufacturing operations.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary education in operations, supply chain, or engineering is a plus)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
• Willingness to take initiative and support multiple departments

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree (or recent graduate) in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field  
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Kanban)
• Experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production environment
• Basic data tracking or problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with inventory processes or material flow concepts