Industrial Engineer Intern

Join Our Growing Team

At North Forest Office Space, we don't just build offices, we create thriving workspaces. We're expanding across Texas, Western New York, and Colorado and we're looking for a dynamic Industrial Engineering Intern to join our company in our corporate headquarters in Buffalo, NY. Our vision is to make leasing simple for our customers. We uphold values of uncompromising integrity, and the willingness to "go the extra mile" for our customers, suppliers, and team members. These values, along with our commitment to continuous improvement, are the bedrock of our success.

Why North Forest?

• Growth: Be part of a growing company with exciting challenges.
• Stability: Enjoy the security of a stable, well-established company.
• Culture: Thrive in a work environment built on respect for people, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Position Summary:

The Industrial Engineering Intern supports our Construction, Development and Design teams by applying Lean/CI methods to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This temporary part-time position will support active continuous improvement initiatives on an as-needed basis- assisting with analysis, documentation, and process standardization projects that align with the intern's skills and learning goals. The intern will work closely with the Manager of Organizational Excellence to analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and recommend process enhancements that support the mission of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities: (these are examples of the types of projects and activities the intern may support)

• Using available systems data, or when possible in person observations conduct time studies; quantify waste (transport, waiting, motion, defects, overprocessing, inventory, overproduction, underutilized talent).
• Facilitate or support PDCA/8D problem solving (containment → root cause → corrective & preventive actions); track actions and sustainment.
• Map current processes using Value Stream Mapping; propose future-state designs with clear handoffs and "definition of done."
• Assist in documenting and mapping key processes to identify areas for improvement.
• Help develop and track performance metrics to improve operational outcomes.
• Implement continuous improvement methodologies to enhance quality and performance.
• Draft and pilot SOPs/Standard Work, checklists, and visual work aids (5S, shadow boards, visual standards).
• Build and maintain Ownership Boards/Obeya visuals and simple real-time dashboards for project status, constraints, and KPIs.
• Enhance PDCP (Our Product Design Change Process) idea intake (categorize by waste type, status, owner); help create a searchable CI Library of wins, templates, and lessons learned.
• Support daily huddles and post-project 30/60/90-day sustainment checks; report out on impact (cycle time, rework, cost avoidance).
• Partner with field superintendents, project managers, development, design, and accounting to align improvements with customer value.

Education and Experience/Certification or License: (these are the requirements of the position)

• Working towards a B.S. in Industrial Engineering or related field (Systems, Manufacturing, Construction Management with Lean focus).
• Coursework or experience with Lean/CI (e.g., 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, PDCA, 8D) required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to visit job sites.
• This internship is designed to provide hands-on learning in Lean and continuous improvement practices within the construction and development industries. Responsibilities and projects will vary based on business needs and the intern's interests and coursework.
• Individuals must be willing to learn the North Forest Business Model, gain confidence in our processes, and implement and maintain accurate and well-organized systems and documentation. The most fit candidate will be expected to work effectively with the team, be able to produce quality project submittals, and manage their time to meet the expectations of the project schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comfortable at the Gemba (mostly office); strong observational and interviewing skills.
• Analytical skills with proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; familiarity with Lucidchart or similar process mapping tools is a plus.
• Comfortable using AI-assisted tools to develop standard work, process documentation, and visual job aids.
• Clear, concise communication; able to translate technical insights into practical, actionable improvements.
• Organized self-starter with curiosity and follow-through; comfortable working independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Collaborative mindset with respect for people and a safety-first approach.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and completing tasks accurately and on time.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Most work will be performed in an office environment with regular use of computers, digital tools, and collaboration platforms.
• Occasional visits to local offices or renovation sites may occur to observe processes or gather improvement data.
• During site visits, the intern should be comfortable walking and standing for short periods and following all safety protocols.
• Minimal physical demands — may occasionally lift/carry up to 15–20 lbs (e.g., plans, samples, laptop).
• Standard business attire in the office; PPE (safety glasses, hard hat, high-visibility vest) may be required for site visits.
• Limited travel within the region; no overnight travel or major construction site exposure expected.

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person