Pre-Start Operations Industrial Engineering

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JOB SUMMARY:  
As an Industrial Engineering Pre-start at DHL eCommerce, you will gain hands-on exposure to supply chain and distribution center operations by supporting data-driven engineering initiatives and participating in on-site (Gemba) observations. This pre-start is designed to provide practical experience in applying industrial engineering concepts to real-world logistics challenges.

Under the guidance of experienced Industrial Engineers, you will assist with labor analysis, time studies, process documentation, sort plan reviews, and basic data analysis. You will also gain exposure to optimization tools, data visualization, and continuous improvement methodologies while collaborating with Operations, Transportation, Automation, and cross-functional teams. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop foundational skills in industrial engineering while contributing to initiatives that improve efficiency, safety, and performance across the supply chain.  This role’s focus is learning, exposure, and hands-on preparation for the full-time Industrial Engineering role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Primary responsibilities (with supervision and mentorship):
• Engineering Support
• Assist the engineering team in analyzing distribution center processes and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Support operational excellence initiatives through data collection, documentation, and analysis.
• Industrial Engineering Fundamentals
• Participate in traditional industrial engineering activities such as: 
• Time studies and work measurement
• Staff planning and productivity analysis
• Workflow documentation and standardized process support
• Sort plan and process flow reviews
• Gemba Observations
• Conduct on-site observations to understand current-state processes and identify potential inefficiencies or deviations from standard work.
• Document findings and share insights with senior engineers.
• Data Analysis & Visualization
• Assist with basic data analysis using Excel and other analytical tools.
• Support the creation of visualizations and summaries to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Root Cause & Performance Review
• Support root cause analysis efforts by gathering data, reviewing reports, and documenting trends related to performance, quality, or productivity metrics.
• Help track and document process and performance deviations.
• Layout & Process Improvement Support
• Assist with layout assessments and process improvement studies within distribution centers.
• Support Lean initiatives such as 5S, waste identification, and basic value stream mapping exercises.
• Support short‑term and long‑term continuous improvement projects by reviewing and summarizing key performance indicators to support improvement initiatives.
• Ergonomics & Safety Exposure
• Participate in ergonomic assessments and safety reviews under guidance to help identify opportunities to reduce risk and improve workstation design.
• Business Case & Documentation Support
• Assist in preparing documentation, presentations, and supporting materials for engineering initiatives and improvement projects.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work alongside Operations, Automation, Transportation, and other teams to gain exposure to cross-functional supply chain coordination.
• Learning & Innovation
• Learn about engineering tools, optimization concepts, and emerging technologies (e.g., automation, AI-enabled analytics) and support pilot initiatives as appropriate.
• Demonstrate curiosity, learning agility, and a willingness to explore new tools and methods.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 
 

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Coursework or project experience in:
• Industrial engineering methods
• Operations research
• Supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing systems
• Prior internship, co-op, or academic project experience is a plus but not required.
• Exposure to: 
• Excel (data analysis, basic modeling)
• SQL, Python, or other analytical tools (academic or beginner level)
• Lean concepts (5S, VSM, standard work)
• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI is a plus. 
• Experience with Visio, AutoCAD, or similar tools is beneficial but not required. 
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt coursework or interest is a plus.

REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS:

• Analytical Thinking – Ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and support problem-solving efforts.
• Problem Solving – Interest in understanding business problems and contributing to practical solutions.
• Communication Skills – Ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Collaboration – Works effectively in a team environment and builds positive working relationships.
• Learning Agility – Demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and eagerness to learn new tools and processes.
• Initiative – Shows a proactive attitude toward learning and supporting project needs.
• Technical Curiosity – Interest in data analysis, process optimization, and engineering tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Physical demands consistent with a professional office and warehouse support environment 
• Regular sitting at a workstation for data analysis and reporting 
• Occasional time in operational environments for observations and studies 
• Limited travel (up to 10%) or as needed to support learning objective

Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans/Disability