Process Improvement Intern [2027]

In this Role, You Will… • Benchmark Ground Operations: Shadow frontline depot teams to map readiness and response workflows, identify time-loss and operational pain points, and document best practices that can be standardized across domiciles. • Build Domicile Launch Playbooks: Stress-test operational processes and handoffs at 2x and 3x fleet scale, pinpointing vulnerable failure points and designing scalable operating mechanisms. • Audit and Establish Operational Metrics: Audit existing turnaround and fleet health metrics and define new performance indicators that reflect true operational efficiency. • Develop Scorecards and Dashboards: Build a standardized domicile scorecard and weekly executive dashboard to provide visibility into depot performance, bottlenecks, and emerging operational risks. • Drive Initiatives End-to-End: Formulate data-backed recommendations with quantified impact, aligning stakeholders from frontline teams to leadership to execute sustainable process improvements. Internship Requirements • Currently working towards a Master’s, MBA, or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Supply Chain, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. • Good academic standing and enrolled at an accredited college or university throughout the internship. • Expected graduation date between Fall 2027 and Summer 2028. • Able to commit to a full-time, 12-week internship. • Ability to work on-site and travel locally to depot facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. • Interns at Zoox may not use proprietary information for thesis or publication outside of Zoox. Technical Qualifications • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrable ability to break down operational workflows and identify root causes. • Foundational understanding of process mapping, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and lean continuous improvement methods. • High comfort level working hands-on with frontline ground teams in active depot environments. • Proficiency in data analytics and visualization (Excel, Sheets, or dashboarding tools). • Clear communication and stakeholder management skills to earn trust and influence across teams. Bonus Qualifications • Prior internship or hands-on experience in automotive maintenance, fleet operations, or logistics environments. • Experience with project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar workflow platforms. • Experience applying root cause analysis frameworks (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone diagrams, DMAIC).