Robotics Intern

Overview

The intern will work closely with operations leaders, technical support partners, robotics specialists, safety teams, and vendor resources to support improvements to the existing Robo Tire 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.

Robo Tire 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, optimise 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.

• 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 behaviour, and opportunities to improve employee access while maintaining proper machine guarding.
• Analyse Robo Tire process flow to identify opportunities to reduce cycle time and improve overall throughput.
• Support process speed optimisation 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 optimisation best practices.
• Provide general project support for Robo Tire implementation, testing and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

• 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, analyse 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.
• Organised, 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.

• Enrollment in an accredited engineering undergraduate programme.
• Completion of at least one year of engineering coursework preferred.
• Coursework or…