Program Intern, PSS Optimization

Pilot Travel Centers LLC.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Company is seeking an Optimization Intern for the Parts and Services Solutions (PSS) team in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the summer of 2027. This role offers hands-on experience supporting strategic freight optimization initiatives that improve operational efficiency and drive value across the organization.

In this internship, you will support freight optimization and continuous improvement efforts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to gain exposure to supply chain and logistics

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in SCM, Transportation & Logistics, Business Analytics or related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experienced with large datasets and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interest in supply chain operations, logistics and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Support freight optimization initiatives to reduce transportation costs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts through Green Belt and process improvements.
• Analyze and consolidate order activity to optimize shipments.
• Collaborate with Warehouse Management, Procurement, Retail, Deli, Operations, and Product Category teams.
• Measure and communicate results to drive cost per shipment improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in SCM / related field

Job description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 43 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 43 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

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.

Qualifications

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.

Additional Information

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.