Industrial Engineer Intern

TRDI•San Antonio, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience applying Lean/Six Sigma principles in real-world service operations. Interns will learn about Performance Work Statement (PWS) requirements and compliance frameworks such as ISSA CIMS, OSHA, and ANSI Z133. The role involves developing skills in data analysis, process mapping, and quality management. The intern will be expected to work in both office and field environments, travel to job sites in nine states, and collaborate with diverse teams.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
Basic knowledge of process improvement tools and Microsoft Excel.
Strong attention to detail and willingness to work in both office and field environments.
Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse teams.
Must be able to travel to job-sites in nine states.
Must be centrally located near the following cities: Corpus Christi, TX, Killen, TX, Rio Grande Valley, TX, San Antonio, TX.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma concepts (Green Belt coursework a plus).
Interest in facilities management, grounds maintenance, or custodial operations.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct time studies and collect productivity data for grounds, custodial, and food service tasks.
Assist in route optimization and crew balancing exercises using provided templates.
Help create standard work instructions, visual job aids, and checklists for recurring tasks.
Update asset logs and preventive maintenance records in TRDI’s CMMS system.
Participate in site inspections and audits; record findings and assist with corrective action tracking.
Verify documentation for safety protocols, PPE usage, and chemical handling compliance.
Support kaizen events and brainstorming sessions for efficiency improvements.
Prepare simple KPI dashboards and weekly summary reports for supervisors.
Perform field studies (time-motion, crew balance, route and layout analysis) to standardize tasks and set takt/beat rates for recurring activities.
Create Standard Work with visual work instructions, checklists, and job aids; establish daily/weekly work plans aligned to each contract’s PWS and service level standards.
Facilitate kaizen/rapid improvement events to remove bottlenecks, reduce travel and idle time, and improve equipment utilization.
Translate PWS service levels into executable work standards and inspection criteria.
Optimize mowing routes using crew/equipment capacity, acreage mix, and terrain; set productivity baselines and trigger thresholds for corrective action.
Ensure tree pruning and ornamental tree maintenance is performed by certified arborists and that all arboricultural operations follow OSHA and ANSI Z133 safe-work practices.
Verify that pesticide/herbicide applicators possess the State of Texas certifications required by contract; maintain licensing records and training logs.
Develop task plans with risk controls, equipment lists, and debris handling workflows.
Align custodial processes and audits to industry frameworks, customer scorecards, and internal QC plans; build sampling plans and control charts for key areas.
Standardize floor care cycles, PDPs, and inspection routes; reduce rework through root-cause analysis and targeted training.
Map service flows; set labor standards per meal period; optimize back-of-the-house layouts for safety and efficiency.
Implement temperature-control checks, cleaning schedules, and HACCP-aligned routines as contract requirements dictate.
Partner with Safety to develop Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs) and pre-task plans; ensure PPE, equipment guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures are implemented where applicable.
Conduct field audits for arboriculture, pesticide application, equipment operation, and custodial chemical handling, close compliance gaps with training and procedural updates.
Define subcontractor scopes and measurable deliverables aligned to PWS; support RFQ development and technical reviews.
Model staffing levels, shift patterns, and crew mixes; establish productivity baselines and incentives; assist HR/PMs with onboarding and cross-training plans.
Use TRDI’s asset templates/CMMS to capture equipment data and drive repair-vs-replace decisions.
Coordinate with Fleet/Telematics providers to reduce idle time, optimize dispatch, and improve safety and compliance.
Build weekly KPI packs for PMs and the Director of Operations.
Maintain risk logs, issue lists, and change trackers; lead performance reviews with customer reps and internal stakeholders.
Develop site training modules; deliver toolbox talks and skill refreshers.
Support readiness for audits with current documentation, evidence trails, and improvement backlogs.