Operational Excellence Intern

Location: Detroit, MI 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.

The Operations Excellence internship supports cross-functional teams in improving manufacturing and business processes across plant operations. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement initiatives, analyzing workflows, and supporting product and process enhancements to increase efficiency, quality, and overall performance. Interns collaborate with plant leadership, engineering, and production teams to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and help sustain operational improvements.

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

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

Support Operations Excellence projects involving new product launches, equipment installations, facility/whitespace expansions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Assist with project planning, scheduling, milestone tracking, action item management, and stakeholder communications.

Participate in process improvement activities utilizing 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 to ensure successful implementation.

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 opportunities for process optimization and efficiency enhancements

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements

May support development of training and/or change management materials and activities to support new processes and procedures, including department SharePoint

Utilize 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

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)

Strong oral and written communication skills

Solid organizational skills

Creative mindset

Interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment

#LI-Hybrid

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Detroit, MI 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 solutions with cutting-edge advancements in sustainability and future driving technologies - across electric, hydrogen, and autonomous innovation. Backed by decades of proven success, these efforts continue DTNA’s legacy as an industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we operate as one team - driving toward a cleaner, safer, and more efficient future for all.

How we move forward together is defined by the DTNA Way - our shared approach to showing up for our customers, our colleagues, and the world we help move. We start with our customers, grounding every product, service, and decision in their success, knowing that when they move forward, so do we. At the same time, we act with urgency and intention, balancing speed with thoughtful decision-making to deliver results with integrity, accountability, and clarity. Across our entire organization, we collaborate as one team - bringing diverse perspectives, strengths, and expertise together with trust and respect - because we know we achieve more together than any one of us could alone.

Guided by these principles, we’re not just responding to change - we’re leading it. Together, we are building the future of transportation 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