Operational Excellence Intern

Daimler Truck North America • Detroit, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Intern supports cross-functional teams in improving manufacturing and business processes across plant operations. The role focuses on continuous improvement initiatives, workflow analysis, and product and process enhancements to improve efficiency, quality, and overall performance. Interns work with plant leadership, engineering, production, and other teams to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and help sustain operational improvements. The internship may offer a transition to a full-time position, subject to manager evaluations and business availability.

Interns gain experience through practical learning opportunities and are expected to work in accordance with DTNA’s core values of passion, respect, integrity, and discipline. DTNA internships begin in May or June. This position is open to applicants able to work in or relocate to Detroit, Michigan, and is onsite. Relocation assistance may be available to candidates who meet eligibility criteria.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program or higher at an accredited college or university, or have graduated within one year of the position start date in May or June.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills.
• Creative mindset.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country where the position is located at the time of application; the position is not open to visa sponsorship or existing visa holders.
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check.
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Support Operations Excellence projects involving new product launches, equipment installations, facility or whitespace expansions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, milestone tracking, action item management, and stakeholder communications.
• Participate in process improvement activities using Lean Manufacturing principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, process maps, standard work instructions, and readiness checklists.
• Support cross-functional teams including Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing.
• Assist with equipment startup, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
• Create reports, dashboards, and presentations using Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and other business tools to communicate project status and results.
• Participate in kaizen events, root cause analysis, and waste reduction initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and completed deliverables to Operations Excellence leadership and key stakeholders.
• Identify process optimization and efficiency opportunities and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements.
• May support the development of training or change management materials and activities for new processes and procedures, including department SharePoint.
• Use appropriate data analysis methods, tools, and reports to predict, prevent, and support the resolution of efficiency issues and roadblocks.
• Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where everyone belongs.

Benefits

• Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews and mock interviews.
• Housing and transportation stipend.
• Employee resource groups.
• Event ticket offering, based on corporate availability.
• Company social events.
• Relocation assistance may be available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern