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Operational Excellence Intern Jobs in California

Intern

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Our success is built on a foundation of operational excellence, strong client relationships, and a ... Each intern will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance, professional development, and ...

Project Management Intern Location: Los Angeles, CA 90065 (Onsite) Compensation: $25-32/hr About ... and operational excellence. This internship is designed to expose you to Project Management by ...

Finance Intern

Fairfield, CA · On-site +1

$18 - $23.75/hr

The intern will also participate in activities and initiatives related to operations practice ... Nurture Care, Own It, Respect Relationships, Build Trust, and Hardwire Excellence. These values ...

IT Intern

Goleta, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... operations. The intern will join a dynamic and fast paced IT organization with a focus on excellence and diligence. The intern will follow established IT policies and procedures, working to ensure ...

IT Intern

Goleta, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... operations. The intern will join a dynamic and fast paced IT organization with a focus on excellence and diligence. The intern will follow established IT policies and procedures, working to ensure ...

... and operational processes required by the health system and specialty pharmacy accreditation ... excellence. 2. Reasonable Accommodation Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable ...

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Operational Excellence Intern information

What does an Operational Excellence Intern do?

An Operational Excellence Intern supports initiatives aimed at improving business processes, efficiency, and quality within an organization. They typically assist with data analysis, process mapping, and identifying areas for improvement under the guidance of senior team members. Interns may also participate in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement projects. Their role helps organizations streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance.

What types of projects can an Operational Excellence Intern expect to work on, and how do these contribute to the organization's goals?

As an Operational Excellence Intern, you can expect to participate in projects focused on process improvement, data analysis, and efficiency optimization across various departments. Common tasks include mapping workflows, identifying bottlenecks, supporting Lean or Six Sigma initiatives, and assisting with implementation of new best practices. These projects are designed to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and streamline operations, which directly contribute to the organization's overall performance and long-term success. You'll often collaborate with cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to diverse business units and valuable hands-on experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Excellence Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Excellence Intern, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of process improvement principles, often supported by coursework in business, engineering, or related fields. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, and tools like Microsoft Excel or process mapping software is typically expected. Effective communication, problem-solving, and a collaborative mindset set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, facilitating improvements, and supporting continuous operational enhancements within organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Excellence jobs in California? The most popular types of Operational Excellence jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Operational Excellence Intern jobs in California? For Operational Excellence Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operational Excellence Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Excellence Intern jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Intern job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
2027 Business Analyst Intern

2027 Business Analyst Intern

Solar Turbines Incorporated

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22.50 - $40.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 486 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
July 23, 2026 - December 30, 2026
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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