Program Intern, PSS Optimization

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Pilot Company is seeking an Optimization Intern for the Knoxville, Tennessee summer program 2027. You will support freight optimization initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement across a cross-functional team, gaining hands-on experience in supply chain and logistics operations.

The role emphasizes data analysis, collaboration with multiple departments, and learning through mentorship from seasoned professionals within the Parts and Services Solutions team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management, Transportation & Logistics, Business Analytics, Accounting or related field.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with large datasets is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to work with multiple teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in supply chain operations, logistics, and process optimization; driven and reliable.

Responsibilities

• Support freight optimization initiatives to reduce transportation costs and improve delivery efficiency.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives (Green Belt and process improvement).
• Analyze and consolidate order activity; identify shipment consolidation opportunities.
• Collaborate with Warehouse Management, Procurement, Retail, Deli, Operations, and Product Category teams.
• Measure and communicate results; track project performance for cost and efficiency improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Supply Chain / Logistics / Business Analytics

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Position Category: Administrative Support (ADMINISTRATION)

Company 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.

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.