Robotics Intern

The intern will work closely with operations leaders, technical support partners, robotics specialists, safety teams, and vendor resources to support improvements to the existing RoboTire system. This role will help ensure that the equipment operates safely, efficiently, and consistently while supporting Discount Tire’s long-term exploration of automation in tire service operations.

This internship provides hands-on exposure to robotics, automation, safety systems, process improvement, and real-world operational engineering within a large-scale retail and fleet service environment.

RoboTire represents an opportunity to evaluate how automation can support future tire service operations, improve process consistency, reduce physical strain on employees, and increase service capacity.

As the system is installed and tested in the Fleet Center, dedicated engineering support is needed to help improve safety functionality, optimize cycle time, support uptime, and identify opportunities for long-term operational success.

The team currently has limited internal robotics engineering bandwidth to support these improvements while also managing day-to-day operational responsibilities. A summer intern would provide temporary project capacity and technical support during a critical implementation and testing period.

Objectives:

• Assist with the implementation and refinement of a light screen safety fence that allows employees to move safely around the robot work area based on robot position and operating status.
• Support safety system evaluation by observing robot movement, employee interaction points, protected zones, and potential process risks.
• Help document safety logic, system behavior, and opportunities to improve employee access while maintaining proper machine guarding.
• Analyze RoboTire process flow to identify opportunities to reduce cycle time and improve overall throughput.
• Support process speed optimization through timing studies, workflow observations, data collection, and recommendations for improvement.
• Assist with troubleshooting and documenting downtime events, system interruptions, robot faults, and recurring operational issues.
• Help develop uptime tracking methods and reporting tools to better understand system reliability.
• Partner with technical experts and vendor resources to support system testing, maintenance planning, and issue resolution.
• Assist with documenting standard work, troubleshooting procedures, maintenance steps, and operational learnings.
• Participate in cross-functional discussions with Safety, Operations, Facilities, Fleet, Technical teams, and vendor partners.
• Conduct research on robotic safety systems, machine guarding, light screens, automation uptime, and process optimization best practices.
• Provide general project support for RoboTire implementation, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong interest in robotics, automation, machine safety, equipment reliability, and process improvement.
• Basic understanding of robotic systems, sensors, safety circuits, PLC logic, mechanical systems, or industrial automation principles.
• Ability to collect data, analyze process performance, identify trends, and communicate findings clearly.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts in both written and verbal formats.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Exposure to CAD software, PLC programming, robotics software, data analysis tools, or safety system design is preferred.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced project environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations leaders, technical partners, store/fleet teams, and vendors.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, curiosity, ownership, and a strong commitment to safety.

Preferred Skills:

• Enrollment in an accredited engineering undergraduate program.
• Completion of at least one year of engineering coursework preferred.
• Coursework or project experience related to robotics, automation, controls, mechatronics, or machine safety.
• Experience with process mapping, time studies, root cause analysis, Lean, or Six Sigma concepts.
• Familiarity with industrial safety components such as light screens, safety scanners, interlocks, emergency stops, safety relays, or guarded work zones.
• Exposure to PLCs, robotics controls, electrical schematics, sensors, or mechanical troubleshooting is a plus.

What the Intern Will Gain:

• Practical experience working with a robotic tire service system in an operational environment.
• Exposure to robotic safety systems, light screen implementation, and machine guarding principles.
• Hands-on experience with process optimization, cycle time studies, and equipment reliability improvement.
• Mentorship from experienced operations, technical, robotics, and safety professionals.
• Opportunity to contribute to a high-visibility automation project with potential long-term impact on Discount Tire’s future service model.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Safety, Fleet, Operations, Facilities, and vendor partners.
• A better understanding of how robotics and automation can support employees, improve consistency, and strengthen operational performance.

Work Schedule:

• Internship runs May-August, flexible based on academic schedule.
• Normal workdays are Monday-Friday; occasional field or Fleet Center visits may occur.
• Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with potential flexibility based on project needs.

Discount Tire provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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