Master thesis: Value stream Mapping

Location: 

Vara, SE, 534 91

Position Type:  Student

 

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

What you will do

Are you passionate about manufacturing, process improvement, and creating sustainable value? We are excited to invite a motivated and dedicated thesis student to join us in a meaningful journey of analyzing and enhancing our production processes through a comprehensive Value Stream Mapping (VSM) project at our production plant located in Vara.

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we aim to visualize and understand the entire production flow to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for greater efficiency. Your thesis will focus on mapping the current state of our processes, analyzing flow, and proposing thoughtful future improvements to help us operate more smoothly and sustainably.

 

What you will do:

  • Conduct a detailed and insightful analysis of our current production processes
  • Develop a clear and comprehensive value stream map, including material and information flows
  • Identify waste, delays, and inefficiencies within the system
  • Collaborate closely with our production teams to gather insights and validate your findings
  • Propose practical, innovative improvements and future state scenarios
  • Document your findings and recommendations with clarity and care in your thesis report

 

Your future team

Team Manufacturing Engineering in Vara is responsible for machining, assembly, testing, painting, packaging, logistics, maintenance and more. Our main target is to optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness without interrupting the production process.

 

The group consist of 15 engineers with different backgrounds, educations and stories. You will be part of a diverse team with highly skilled and passionate professionals who trust each other, and embraces change to stay ahead.

Who are you?

Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together. 

 

We believe that you are at the end of your education in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field, Bachelor or Master.

You have a genuine interest in lean manufacturing, process optimization, and creating value.

You possess an analytical and creative mindset with excellent problem-solving skills. Strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit are essential to work effectively across teams.

Additionally, knowledge of lean tools and production systems is considered a plus. 

What’s in it for you?

What we offer:  

  • An inspiring real-world project with tangible impact
  • Access to our production facilities and mentorship from experienced professionals
  • Support and guidance from a dedicated team of experts
  • An opportunity to contribute to sustainable and innovative manufacturing practices

Ready for the next move?

If you’re eager to apply your academic knowledge to a practical, impactful project and make a positive difference in our operations, we would love to hear from you! 

Apply today! 

 

Your application should include the following:

  • CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Transcript of grades

Practical information

Thesis Level: Bachelor or Master (15-30 ECTS points)

Language: Swedish (Thesis work could be written in English if preferred)

Starting Date: January 2026

Number of students: 1-2 students

Last application date: October 20, 2025

 

Entity: AB Volvo Penta

State/Province: Västra Götaland

City/Town: Vara

Employment/Assignment type: Thesis

Functional Area: Operations/ Engineering 

Contact

Tom Jörgensen Björk, Manager Manufacturing Engineering, tom.jorgensen@volvo.com


We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 


Who we are and what we believe in 
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.


Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. ​We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. ​We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment. 

 

Volvo Penta, a world-leading supplier of engines and complete drive systems for marine and industrial applications, you will be part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals who work with passion, trust each other and embrace change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.

Job Category:  Engineering
Organization:  Volvo Penta
Travel Required:  No Travel Required
Requisition ID:  23912

Do we share the same aspirations?

Every day, Volvo Group products and services ensure that people have food on the table, children arrive safely at school and roads and buildings can be constructed. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving the transition to sustainable and safe transport, mobility and infrastructure solutions toward a net-zero society.

Joining Volvo Group, you will work with some of the world’s most iconic brands and be part of a global and leading industrial company that is harnessing automated driving, electromobility and connectivity.

Our people are passionate about what they do, they aim for high performance and thrive on teamwork and learning. Everyday life at Volvo is defined by a climate of support, care and mutual respect.

If you aspire to grow and make an impact, join us on our journey to create a better and more resilient society for the coming generations.