Maintenance Operations Intern - Chicago, IL

Job Description:

The Operations Intern will work with the Operations team by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting operational data to drive informed business decisions. This role provides hands-on experience in data analysis, reporting, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to apply technical and problem-solving skills to real-world operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

- Sample projects include items such as equipment transfers, equipment trackers, overtime projects, OLE and CPDH projects, Gemba walks, and railroad communications
- Assist in collecting, organizing, and analyzing operational data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance dashboards, reports, and data visualizations that support operational decision-making.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business processes, gather requirements, and deliver actionable insights.
- Perform ad hoc analyses to answer business questions and support ongoing operational initiatives.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and assist in identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and service levels.
- Support process improvement projects through data validation, research, and analysis.
- Participate in team meetings, project discussions, and operational reviews.
- Prepare presentations and summaries to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Assist with data quality audits and ensure accuracy and consistency across reporting tools.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying process enhancements and supporting implementation activities.

Required Qualifications

- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, Business Analytics, Statistics, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated interest in data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex data insights to technical and non-technical audiences.
- High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn in a dynamic business environment.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with data analysis and visualization tools such as SQL, Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with databases, reporting tools, and business intelligence concepts.
- Experience working with large datasets and developing analytical models.
- Knowledge of supply chain, transportation, logistics, fleet operations, manufacturing, or operational processes is a plus.

Physical Job Requirements

(The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

General office environment; may be required to travel. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit (remain stationary within work area) and use hands to finger, handle, feel and reach. The employee is occasionally required to move about (stand, walk). The employee must occasionally lift and/or transport up to 10 pounds. Correctable vision required for close, distance, and color vision capabilities.

The above job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.