Entry Level Industrial Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Job Description

College Intern - Materials Management

Join OCTA's Materials Management team as a College Intern and gain hands-on experience supporting the stockroom supervisors, material planner, inventory analyst, and the materials manager that help keep OCTA's transit system running efficiently. In this role, you will assist with inventory analysis, reporting, process improvement initiatives, and system enhancements while supporting the day-to-day operations of the Materials Management team. You will collaborate with experienced professionals to analyze inventory trends, maintain key performance indicators, and contribute to projects that improve operational efficiency and support critical transportation services.

Under direct supervision, you will perform a variety of professional entry-level duties related to your major field of study and the sponsoring department's current business operations. As a College Intern, you will be exposed to OCTA's career opportunities in the transportation industry. You will gain deeper awareness of transportation's many facets through your OCTA orientation, projects and teams, and internal networking.

OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.

The pay range is from $20.00 - $23.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

This posting will remain open until a candidate is selected.

What You'll Do

• Support the Materials Management team with inventory analysis, reporting, and day-to-day operational activities.
• Analyze inventory trends, usage, demand, and replenishment to support effective inventory management.
• Monitor inventory accuracy, cycle count results, and recommend stock level adjustments.
• Assist with inventory optimization initiatives and balancing inventory levels between warehouse locations.
• Develop and maintain Excel reports, dashboards, and key performance indicator (KPI) reporting.
• Update and maintain department databases, electronic records, and SharePoint documentation.
• Support testing of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system enhancements and reporting improvements.
• Participate in departmental meetings, process improvement initiatives, and special projects.

What We're Looking For

• Full-time Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate student pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Logistics, or a related field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel; experience creating reports, dashboards, or analyzing data is preferred.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Interest in inventory management, business operations, process improvement, or supply chain management.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with a willingness to learn and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Gain hands-on experience supporting inventory management and business operations for one of the nation's leading public transportation agencies.
• Work alongside experienced professionals managing materials, inventory, and operational processes that support OCTA's transit system.
• Develop valuable skills in data analysis, reporting, process improvement, and inventory optimization.
• Build experience with enterprise systems, dashboards, and performance reporting tools used in public transportation.
• Collaborate in a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.
Apply now to gain real-world experience and start building your career with OCTA.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.