Program Intern, PSS Optimization

Pilotcompany; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Company in Knoxville, TN, seeks an Optimization Intern for the summer of 2027 to support freight optimization within the PSS team. You will gain hands-on experience applying data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency across the organization.

You will collaborate with Warehouse Management, Procurement, Retail, and Operations to analyze data, consolidate shipments, and measure outcomes such as cost per shipment and delivery times.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in supply chain, logistics, analytics or related field.
• Strong analytical skills and data analysis experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and handling large datasets.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across teams.
• Interest in supply chain operations and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Support freight optimization initiatives to reduce transportation costs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects within the PSS team.
• Analyze and consolidate order activity to optimize shipments.
• Collaborate with Warehouse Management, Procurement, Retail, Deli, Operations, and Product Category Management.
• Track and communicate results, focusing on cost per shipment and overall efficiency.

Skills

Excel

Education

Undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Job description

Are you an ambitious student interested in supply chain, logistics, business analytics, or operations looking to apply your skills in a dynamic corporate environment? Pilot Company is seeking an Optimization Intern to join our Parts and Services Solutions (PSS) team in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the summer of 2027. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting strategic freight optimization initiatives that improve operational efficiency and drive value across the organization.

In this role, you will be an integral part of the Parts and Services Solutions team. Your primary responsibility will be to support freight optimization and continuous improvement initiatives that help reduce transportation costs and improve delivery times to Pilot stores and external customers. This internship offers the opportunity to work alongside cross‑functional teams, apply data‑driven decision‑making and gain valuable experience in supply chain and logistics operations while being mentored by experienced professionals.

What You’ll Do

• Support freight optimization initiatives: Assist with projects focused on reducing transportation costs and improving delivery efficiency across the Pilot network.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts: Participate in Green Belt and process improvement initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness.
• Analyze and consolidate order activity: Review data and identify opportunities to consolidate shipments across safety, supply and expense, procurement, and retail categories.
• Collaborate across teams: Work closely with Warehouse Management, Procurement, Retail, Deli, Operations, and Product Category Management teams to support business objectives.
• Measure and communicate results: Help track project performance and identify opportunities that drive measurable improvements in cost per shipment and overall supply chain efficiency.

What We're Looking For

• Education: Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management, Transportation & Logistics, Business Analytics, Accounting or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel required. Experience working with large datasets and performing data analysis is highly preferred.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships across multiple teams. We're looking for someone who is personable, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Qualities: A strong interest in supply chain operations, logistics, and process optimization. We value individuals who are driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming.

Why Pilot Company?

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. As an intern, you will see these values in action every day. You'll be part of a team that is driven to deliver operational excellence, reliable in supporting business objectives, authentic in its collaborative approach, and welcoming to new ideas and perspectives.

This is a full‑time, in‑person internship running from June 7 - August 13, 2027. You'll be working alongside our team in our Knoxville headquarters, where you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company.