Program Intern, Architecture

Company Description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Are you a creative and driven architecture student ready to see your designs impact the real-world customer experience? Pilot Company is seeking a Program Intern, Architecture to join our team in Knoxville, TN for the summer of 2026. This is a unique opportunity to apply your design and technical skills to crucial enterprise initiatives, bridging architectural concept with customer-facing retail innovation.

In this role, you'll be an integral part of the Architecture and Corporate Design Team, focusing on the strategic future of our physical retail spaces. This role will challenge you to think spatially, strategically, and creatively as you help define the next generation of our in-store experience. This is an ideal position for someone who is passionate about translating high-level vision into functional, buildable architectural prototypes.

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities may include:

• In-Store Experience Design: Support approved enterprise initiatives with a direct impact on the customer journey, with a focus on our check-out experience (or similar highly visible area).
• Design Development & Prototyping: Contribute to the concept and development phases of a build-able prototype for new architectural elements.
• Architectural Communication: Help define and formally document design standards for common in-store fixtures and millwork, ensuring consistency and brand integrity across all locations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., Program Management, Store Operations) to ensure designs meet both aesthetic and operational requirements.
• Research and Analysis: Conduct research on new materials, construction methods, and retail design trends to inform and enhance proposed solutions.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Interior Architecture.

• Technical Skills: AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Enscape.

• Soft Skills: An outgoing and proactive personality who isn't afraid to ask questions and take initiative. We're looking for someone who is intellectually curious and can jump into a problem to find a solution.

• Qualities: We value individuals who are driven, reliable, authentic, and welcoming.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, in-person internship, running from June 1-August 6, 2026. You'll be working alongside our team in our Knoxville headquarters, where you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company.

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. As an intern, you will see these values in action every day. You'll be part of a team that is driven to deliver results, reliable in its support of the business, authentic in its communication, and welcoming to new ideas and perspectives.

If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding internship with a leading company, please submit your application. The interview process will include a screening with a recruiter, followed by interviews with leaders in Corporate Design. We look forward to hearing from you.