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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kitting Intern

💰 $ - $

Supply ChainLogisticsManufacturingInternshipOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Kitting Intern is a hands-on, detail-oriented individual positioned at the critical intersection of inventory management and production support. This role is fundamentally responsible for executing the kitting process, from picking raw components based on a Bill of Materials (BOM) to delivering complete, accurate kits to the assembly line or for customer fulfillment. The primary objective is to ensure that production teams have the correct parts, in the correct quantities, at precisely the right time, thereby maximizing manufacturing efficiency and upholding product quality standards. Success in this position requires a high degree of accuracy, a methodical approach to complex tasks, and a commitment to maintaining the seamless flow of our operations. The intern will gain invaluable practical experience in a dynamic supply chain environment, learning the fundamentals of inventory control, logistics coordination, and lean manufacturing principles firsthand.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High School Graduates with an interest in manufacturing or logistics.
  • Students enrolled in a Vocational or Technical School program.
  • University or College students pursuing a degree in a related field.

Advancement To:

  • Kitting Specialist or Kitting Lead
  • Inventory Control Coordinator or Analyst
  • Production Planner / Scheduler

Lateral Moves:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Assembly Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick, count, and gather a wide range of electronic and mechanical components from various warehouse inventory locations based on detailed work orders and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
  • Perform meticulous quality control checks on all pulled parts, visually inspecting for damage and verifying part numbers, lot codes, and quantities against system data to prevent discrepancies.
  • Assemble components into organized kits, following specific layout instructions and packaging requirements to ensure parts are protected and easily accessible for the assembly team.
  • Utilize handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanners and the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management System (WMS) to accurately record all inventory movements and transactions.
  • Clearly label completed kits with essential information, including part numbers, kit IDs, and destination work centers, ensuring full traceability throughout the production process.
  • Physically transport completed kits and raw materials from storage areas to designated staging zones or directly to the production floor using pallet jacks or carts.
  • Proactively communicate with Production Planners and Assembly Supervisors regarding the status of kits, potential part shortages, or any issues that could impact the production schedule.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by adhering to 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and following all safety protocols.
  • Diligently read and interpret work instructions, simple blueprints, and process documents to ensure all kitting activities meet stringent quality and engineering specifications.
  • Assist in the process of returning unused or excess components from the production line back into the main inventory, ensuring they are correctly processed and stored.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies found within kits or inventory records, working with the inventory control team to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Manage and maintain the stock of kitting supplies such as bags, bins, labels, and boxes, reporting any low stock levels to the supervisor.
  • Prepare and package kits that are destined for shipment to external customers or other facilities, ensuring they are secure and properly documented for transit.
  • Operate basic computer systems to print labels, look up part information, and check the status of work orders within the manufacturing execution system.
  • Document daily activities and track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as kitting accuracy rates and on-time delivery to the production line.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Inventory Control team with regular cycle counting programs and participate in semi-annual physical inventory audits to ensure data accuracy within the ERP system.
  • Participate in process improvement initiatives by documenting current kitting procedures and suggesting opportunities for enhanced efficiency, accuracy, or safety.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to address any component quality issues discovered during the kitting process and help implement containment procedures.
  • Participate in daily team huddles and departmental meetings to understand production priorities and align kitting activities with the broader operational goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Inventory System Proficiency: Experience or ability to quickly learn ERP/WMS systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite) for inventory transactions.
  • RF Scanner Operation: Proficiency in using handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanners for picking, transferring, and counting inventory.
  • Component Identification: Ability to read and distinguish between small, similar electronic or mechanical components, part numbers, and lot codes.
  • Basic Mathematical Skills: Strong arithmetic skills for accurate counting, verification, and quantity reconciliation without reliance on a calculator.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Foundational skills in Microsoft Excel for tracking and data entry, and Word/Outlook for communication and documentation.
  • Material Handling: Ability to safely operate manual material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and utility carts.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional focus and a commitment to accuracy, with the ability to spot and correct errors in part numbers and quantities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Organizational Skills: A methodical and organized approach to managing multiple work orders, components, and tasks simultaneously to maintain order and efficiency.
  • Time Management: Proven ability to manage one's own time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines dictated by the production schedule.
  • Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues, such as inventory discrepancies or unclear instructions, and take the initiative to find a resolution.
  • Verbal Communication: Clear and effective communication skills to interact with supervisors, planners, and assembly team members regarding kit status and material issues.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive attitude and the ability to work cooperatively within a team to achieve shared operational goals.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities, changing production schedules, and new processes with a can-do attitude.
  • Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who takes pride in their work and demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Currently pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Operations Management
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 1 year of relevant experience. This is an entry-level internship position designed for individuals looking to gain experience.

Preferred:

Previous experience in a role involving order picking, stockroom duties, inventory management, or light assembly within a warehouse or manufacturing environment is highly advantageous. Familiarity with an industrial setting is a plus.

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