Corporate Safety Intern

Location: Gastonia, NC US

Inside the Role

Interns will gain knowledge and experience through exciting and real-life learning opportunities. Interns must work in accordance with DTNA’s core values of passion, respect, integrity and discipline. Internship positions can be located at various DTNA locations across the US. We are looking for high performing and motivated individuals in various areas within DTNA organizations. DTNA internships begin each summer in May or June.

Interns in this role may have the opportunity to transition into a full-time position subject to manager evaluations and business availability.

The safety intern would work under the guidance of the corporate safety team by supporting our NC/SC manufacturing sites on various safety topics. The duties will include reviewing records and processes to identify opportunities for improvements. They will help the safety intern to understand real-life safety experiences and how DTNA Safety Team works together to build the overall safety culture. This invaluable experience will connect lessons learned in the classroom to the practicality of a vibrant, dynamic working atmosphere while under the guidance of subject-matter experts. There will be travel included but most will be between NC and SC.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Salary placement is determined by your anticipated graduation year and ranges between $21 - $29 per hour.

Benefits include

Professional development and networking events, including resume reviews/mock interviews

Housing and transportation stipend

Employee resource groups

Event ticket offering (based on corporate availability)

Company social events

What You Drive at DTNA

Conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety policies, procedures, and performance metrics.

Identify gaps or outdated practices and align programs with current OSHA standards and industry best practices.

Engage employees in feedback sessions to understand real-world challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Conduct regular site walkthroughs and job hazard analyses (JHAs) to identify physical, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.

Use tools like risk matrices to prioritize hazards based on severity and likelihood.

Involve frontline workers in assessments—they often have firsthand knowledge of hidden risks.

Document findings and implement corrective actions with clear timelines and accountability.

Review current training content for relevance, accuracy, and engagement.

Incorporate real-life scenarios, case studies, and interactive elements (e.g., quizzes, simulations).

Ensure training is tailored to different roles and risk levels (e.g., forklift operators vs. office staff).

Provide refresher courses regularly and track completion through a learning management system (LMS).

Shadow safety managers during inspections, audits, and incident investigations to gain hands-on experience.

Participate in safety huddles, safety meetings, and emergency drills.

Observe how safety managers engage with employees and handle real-time safety concerns.

Use this experience to build confidence, ask questions, and understand the practical application of safety principles.

Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where everyone belongs.

Lead and support efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming workplace culture where everyone belongs

Knowledge You Should Bring

Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program or higher from an accredited college/university OR have recently graduated within 1 year of the position start date (May/June)

Knowledge of safety & health regulations (OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, etc.)

Ability to perform hazard assessments

PowerBI experience is preferred

New and inventive ways of looking at current processes

Strong oral skills to perform training

Desire to learn new skills

Ability to embrace failure, and recover quickly

Comfortability working in a manufacturing environment

Strong written communication skills

Solid organizational skills

Creative mindset

Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment

Ability to be flexible and travel to various plant locations, variable commute time

#LI-RR

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Gastonia, NC US. Relocation assistance for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

Schedule Type

Onsite

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

This position is not open to Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders

Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application

Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check

Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen

Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if