1

Operations Excellence Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Engineering Intern Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lean The Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern/Co-op will report to the Regional Lean ... Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Engineering Intern Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lean The Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern/Co-op will report to the Regional Lean ... Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Engineering Intern Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lean The Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern/Co-op will report to the Regional Lean ... Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Engineering Intern Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lean The Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern/Co-op will report to the Regional Lean ... Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Engineering Intern Co-op

Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lean The Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern/Co-op will report to the Regional Lean ... Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Engineering Intern Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Lean The Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern/Co-op will report to the Regional Lean ... Coach process owners how to use engineering and Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Showing results 21-40

Operations Excellence Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$18

$24

How much do operations excellence intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations excellence intern in Chicago, IL is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operations Excellence Intern vs Continuous Improvement Intern?

AspectOperations Excellence InternContinuous Improvement Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in Business, Engineering, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with coursework in process improvement or quality management
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, manufacturing plants, or production facilitiesManufacturing sites, production lines, or corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, and service industries focusing on process optimizationManufacturing and industrial sectors emphasizing process efficiency
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to operational improvements and efficiencyExploring internships focused on process improvement and operational strategies

Both roles focus on process improvement within manufacturing or corporate settings, often requiring similar educational backgrounds. The Operations Excellence Intern may have a broader scope, including strategic initiatives, while the Continuous Improvement Intern concentrates specifically on ongoing process enhancements. Both positions are valuable entry points into operational roles in industry.

What would an operations excellence intern do?

An operations excellence intern supports process improvement initiatives by analyzing workflows, collecting data, and assisting in implementing efficiency strategies. They often work with tools like Lean or Six Sigma methodologies and may gain experience in project management and data analysis during their internship.

What does an operations excellence intern do?

An Operations Excellence Intern supports continuous improvement initiatives within a company’s operations. They typically assist with data analysis, process mapping, and identifying areas for efficiency gains. Interns may also help implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other best practice methodologies to optimize workflows and reduce waste. Their role is to learn about operational processes while contributing to projects that improve productivity and quality across departments.

What types of projects does an operations excellence intern typically work on, and how do these projects contribute to the organization's goals?

Operations Excellence Interns often support process improvement initiatives by analyzing workflows, collecting data, and helping implement best practices. Projects may include mapping current processes, identifying inefficiencies, and assisting with the rollout of new operational strategies. These assignments contribute directly to increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall productivity within the organization. Interns usually collaborate with cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to different departments and valuable experience in change management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations excellence intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Excellence Intern, you need strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and a background in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), data analysis tools (like Excel or Tableau), and project management systems is often required. Effective communication, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude help interns work collaboratively and drive process improvements. These skills are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, supporting operational initiatives, and contributing tangible value in a dynamic business environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Excellence jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Operations Excellence jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Operations Excellence Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,799 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Intern - Eastern District - Fall 2026

Kiewit Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Requisition ID: 181761

Job Level: Internship

Home District/Group: Eastern District

Department: Field Operations

Market: Transportation

Employment Type: Full Time Temporary

Position Overview

Are you interested in a hands-on real-world learning experience directly related to the skills needed in a full-time construction career? In this internship, you will have the opportunity to develop, participate, and learn key roles and functions within construction management.

Our mission is to make a difference, and we offer opportunities for you to make one too through our construction operations. Whether we’re building bridges, tunnels, turning rivers into energy or building structures that connect communities, we depend on our passionate, skilled, and safety-obsessed construction professionals to get it done right. You bring your big ideas, commitment to top quality, and an unwavering work ethic. In return, we offer huge career and travel opportunities and the satisfaction of building the next big thing from the ground up. There’s a reason Kiewit attracts the best: we offer fast-paced excitement and fulfillment you won’t find anywhere else.

District Overview

Kiewit’s Eastern District specializes in challenging heavy civil construction projects throughout the Northeast. We are leaders in bridge, transit, foundation, tunnel, and water/wastewater construction while specializing in cast-in-place concrete, structural steel erection, earthwork, pile driving, and caissons. Kiewit’s Eastern District also has a large amount of work in the energy/power sector in various northeast locations. With our experienced and dedicated employees, extensive resources and in-depth market knowledge, the Eastern District can handle projects of any size.

Kiewit Eastern District is currently seeking Engineer Interns for their Summer 2027 Intern Program! Kiewit’s Eastern District primarily performs heavy civil projects in infrastructure & energy, specializing in transportation, roadways, rail, power and water/wastewater while developing builders to lead the future of our company.

Location

One of the many things that makes Kiewit’s culture unique is that we go where the work is, which exposes your career to abundant opportunities. We relocate our teams based on the work that is available, combined with the development plans, skill sets, and career goals of each team member. This means your Kiewit adventure is custom designed to meet our shared needs. Eastern District’s work predominately exists within the Great Lakes Area, the DMV area, and the Northeast. Job assignment location will be determined closer to your start date. Must be able to travel and relocate as frequently as business needs require. These projects are happening in large cities and small towns, so you have a chance to experience it all!

Responsibilities

• Field engineering, operation planning, cost control, project scheduling, quantity tracking, material procurement, contract administration, estimating & supervision of field activities • Performing engineering tasks requiring standard techniques and handling minor problems of a technical nature arising during construction • Maintaining records as required regarding job progress, costs, material usage, etc. • Planning and scheduling of job and/or job segments • Investigating problems and/or reported incidents; identifying and recommending solutions/alternatives as appropriate • Reviewing plans and specifications to determine material requirements (quantities and qualities), pricing of materials, etc. • Working with suppliers as required facilitating the handling and expediting delivery of materials

Qualifications

• Ability to travel or relocate as needed • Ability to work full-time during the summer (approximately May-August) • Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in civil engineering, electrical engineering, construction management or related • Ability to freely access all points of a construction site in a wide-ranging climates and environments • Highly motivated, with a demonstrated passion for excellence and taking initiative • Strong work ethic, willing to do what it takes to get the job done right the first time • Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity • Passion for safety, with the ability to help us ensure that nobody gets hurt • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills • Team player with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, goals and objectives • Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail • Other common names for this role: Office Engineer Intern, Office Intern, Field Intern

#LI-SS1

Other Requirements: • Regular, reliable attendance • Work productively and meet deadlines timely • Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment • Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies. • Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required. • May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $18.00/hr - $25.00/hr

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

.buttontext32fc3d0d2068e32c a{ border: 1px solid transparent; } .buttontext32fc3d0d2068e32c a:focus{ border: 1px dashed #999999 !important; outline: none !important; }

There’s no limit to what you’ll do at Kiewit. Whether you’re building or supporting projects that provide communities with dependable energy, safe transportation, clean water, or access to health care, the work you do will positively impact people’s lives for generations to come.

Here you’ll have endless opportunities to expand your expertise through on-the-job experience and internal and external training and development opportunities.

We offer our full-time staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry. From top-tier health care programs to employee assistance programs and retirement planning, we aim to provide you with the tools you need to be successful in the areas of life that matter most to you.

Kiewit is an equal-opportunity employer, and we believe a diverse workforce is vital to the success of our business. We continue our efforts to attract, develop and retain employees from all backgrounds who are passionate about our industry.

We are committed to veteran and military hiring and will consider relevant military experience as equivalent to qualification requirements.

Nearest Major Market: New York City Job Segment: Summer Internship, Contract Manager, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineer, Wastewater, Entry Level, Legal, Engineering


What Kiewit Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Kiewit logo

About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884