Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

2027 Internship Quality & Process Improvement

Are you looking for an opportunity to help drive continuous improvement within the energy and manufacturing industry on a team that will challenge and inspire you? As a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar, Solar Turbines is a global leader in providing innovative energy solutions that help businesses, governments, and public institutions find the perfect balance between affordable, available, and efficient energy. At Solar Turbines, we are dedicated to attracting and retaining the best talent.

The Quality & Process Improvement Internship serves as an entry-level opportunity supporting the Quality and Process Improvement function. The intern will provide analytical and creative support in identifying improvement opportunities, solving business problems, and supporting operational excellence initiatives across the organization.

This position, working under the guidance of more experienced quality and process improvement professionals, provides support to enterprise initiatives focused on continuous improvement, process effectiveness, and quality performance. The role includes analyzing data to identify trends and root causes, supporting corrective action activities, assisting with process mapping and standardization efforts, and developing visualizations and presentations to communicate findings. This position offers exposure to senior leaders and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, information technologies, and operations teams.

Principal Accountabilities

• Supports continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Assists in root cause analysis and corrective action activities for quality and process-related issues.

• Collects, categorizes, audits, and analyzes operational and quality data using standard analytical techniques.

• Supports process mapping, workflow analysis, and documentation of standard work.

• Identifies process inefficiencies and opportunities for error-proofing (poka-yoke) and waste reduction.

• Develops dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to monitor process and quality performance.

• Prepares research reports, business cases, and presentation materials for internal stakeholders and leadership.

• Translates complex data and findings into clear, actionable recommendations for decision-making.

• Participates in cross-functional improvement teams and may attend meetings with suppliers, customers, or business partners related to quality and operational excellence initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Analytics, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Quality Management, or a related engineering or business field.

• Master's degree is a plus, especially with a focus on Quality, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Data Analytics.

• Current overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated work experience (internships, part-time roles, research assistantships) or leadership experience (student organizations, volunteer projects, etc.).

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with an interest in identifying and eliminating process inefficiencies.

• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, root cause corrective action methodologies, or continuous improvement concepts through coursework, projects, or experience.

• Understanding of process mapping, error-proofing (poka-yoke), waste reduction, and data-driven decision-making principles.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environments.

• Takes initiative, has a high energy level, and acts with a sense of urgency.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present analytical findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Minitab, JMP, or other analytical and visualization tools is a plus.

Summary Pay Range:

$22.50 - $40.25

Intern Hourly Rate:

An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.

Intern Benefits:

The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:

• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Volunteer Day

• Housing Stipend 

• Relocation Assistance

• Medical coverage

• Voluntary benefits

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.   

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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