Process Improvement Management Internship
Location: Capital Region Airport Commission – Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Department: Human Capital
Employment Type: Internship (Full-time)
Duration: 12–18 Months
Compensation: $26–$30/hour (40 hours/week)
Position Summary
The Process Improvement Management Internship supports the Capital Region Airport Commission’s Operations and Maintenance teams by identifying, analyzing, and implementing process and performance improvements across a dynamic airport environment. This hands-on role blends Lean Six Sigma methodologies with real-world operational exposure, contributing to safety, efficiency, cost reduction, and service performance initiatives.
Working closely with cross-functional partners, the intern will engage in structured problem-solving, data analysis, process mapping, and continuous improvement projects. Responsibilities also include supporting automation and analytics initiatives, participating in Kaizen events, assisting with SOP development, and advancing enterprise-wide process improvement and change management efforts. Flexibility for early morning, evening, overnight, and weekend work may be required.
Key Responsibilities
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
• Facilitate structured problem-solving activities and assist with root cause analysis across operational units.
• Conduct process mapping, gap analysis, value stream analysis, and workflow observations to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Support project leaders in implementing corrective actions and closing performance gaps.
• Lead or co-lead Kaizen events, workshops, and focused support sessions for time-sensitive operational challenges.
• Review, develop, and enhance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to strengthen clarity, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Analytics, Automation & Reporting
• Apply data analytics to identify trends, evaluate performance, and recommend targeted improvements.
• Support tracking dashboards, metrics, and initiative monitoring to assess project outcomes.
• Assist with automation and analytics initiatives, including exploring AI use cases and dashboard/report design.
• Help prepare presentations, stakeholder summaries, and project documentation.
Collaboration & Change Management
• Partner with process owners, continuous improvement leads, and senior leadership to support documentation, engagement, and change adoption.
• Coach and train employees on continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Participate in mentorship, networking events, leadership development sessions, and shadowing opportunities across operational units.
Qualifications
• Actively pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to interpret and apply data insights.
• Foundational understanding of key Continuous Improvement methodologies, including DMAIC, PDCA, Lean, Kaizen/Work-Out, basic statistical techniques, and structured problem-solving frameworks.
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and tools such as Tableau, Power BI, SQL, Access, or Minitab is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey concepts concisely and clearly.
• Experience supporting teams through process changes, training, or project work.
• Demonstrated teamwork through academic, extracurricular, or prior work activities.
• Professional, confident, and mature communication style when interacting with stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and resourceful.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, overnights, and weekends as needed.
Preferred
• Familiarity with aviation, airport operations, logistics, or the public sector.
• Experience participating in or facilitating Kaizen events or other improvement workshops.
• Exposure to advanced continuous improvement approaches such as DFSS, human-centered design, agile methodologies, or process mining.
• Interest in automation, emerging technologies, AI-driven tools, and digital transformation.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the duties listed above. Other duties may be assigned as needed by management."
Benefits & Professional Development
• Competitive hourly compensation ($26–$30/hour).
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Structured mentorship, feedback, and coaching.
• Hands-on involvement in meaningful process improvement and transformation initiatives.
• Exposure to complex airport operations and public-sector infrastructure activities.
• Opportunities to shadow subject-matter experts in process engineering, analytics, automation, and operational leadership.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official Capital Region Airport Commission application portal. Early applications are encouraged, as the posting may close before the stated deadline.
Make your mark. Build your future.
Join the Capital Region Airport Commission and help shape the future of air transportation through innovation, analytics, and continuous improvement.