Industrial Engineering Intern

Industrial Engineering Internship Company Overview

Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply (CEEUS) is an established and successful wholesale distributor experiencing dynamic growth. Our role in the supply chain is to coordinate the flow of materials and equipment from manufacturers to the electric power companies who serve underserved communities.

Operations are located in West Columbia, South Carolina and Glen Allen, VA, allowing us to conveniently serve our member-owners, the Electric Cooperatives of SC, VA, MD, and DE, as well as municipals and investor-owned utilities. We proudly offer next-day delivery to our utility customers via our fleet of trucks or common carrier. In order to best serve our customers, CEEUS offers a tool repair service, lineman PPE testing, as well as emerging technologies such as broadband fiber optics and electric vehicle charging.

We supply the needs of those who power our world.

Organizational Relationships

- Department: Business Systems & Technology

- Reports To: Director of Business Transformation & Continuous Improvement

Purpose

The Industrial Engineering Intern supports process improvement, workflow optimization, and operational efficiency projects within the distribution center and related departments. This role provides hands-on learning and project participation to help improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Nature and Scope

This position works closely with engineers, operations staff, warehouse managers, and cross-functional teams to collect data, analyze processes, and assist in implementing changes. The internship provides experience in real-world problem solving, industrial engineering methodologies, and supply chain operations.

Qualities

The Industrial Engineering Intern we are looking for will be:

- Analytical Thinker: Approaches problems with data-driven solutions

- Curious Learner: Eager to gain hands-on industry experience

- Detail-Oriented: Accurately collects and interprets operational data

- Collaborative: Works well with both technical and non-technical team members

- Adaptable: Adjusts to changes in project scope and operational priorities

- Safety-Conscious: Maintains awareness of workplace safety protocols

- Organized: Balances multiple tasks and project timelines effectively

- Proactive: Takes initiative in contributing ideas and improvements

- Communicative: Shares findings clearly through written reports and presentations

- Resourceful: Seeks creative ways to improve processes and workflows

Job Responsibilities

- Assist in collecting and analyzing operational data related to warehouse and distribution activities

- Support time studies, workflow mapping, and capacity analysis projects

- Help identify opportunities for process improvement

- Participate in the design and layout of workstations, storage systems, and process flows

- Assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials

- Collaborate with supervisors and managers to test and implement process changes

- Support equipment evaluations and ergonomic assessments

- Contribute to safety audits and improvement initiatives

- Present project findings and recommendations to management

- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the engineering and operations teams

Working Location and Conditions

- Based at CEEUS headquarters and distribution center in West Columbia, SC

- Standard working hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday with 1-hour lunch (flexible scheduling for students)

- Standard two 15-minute break periods per day

- Frequent presence on the warehouse floor; may require standing, walking, and light lifting

Essential Job Functions

- Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for up to six hours at a time

- Fine motor skills and finger dexterity for precise and efficient use of a keyboard, mouse, and trackpad

- Ability to communicate frequently and clearly in both verbal and written formats

- Ability to see and interpret detailed information, including small text and images, on screens, paper, or other materials, with or without corrective lenses

- Ability to process complex information, evaluate multiple variables, and apply logical reasoning to solve problems and make informed decisions

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Required Qualifications

- Currently enrolled in an accredited college/university

- Major in Industrial Engineering, business, or a related field

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis

- Eager to learn, analytical, and detail-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

- Familiarity with workflow mapping or process improvement tools

- Prior exposure to warehouse or supply chain operations (through coursework, projects, or prior internships)

Job Posted by ApplicantPro