Supply Chain Intern

This internship is centered on a high-priority supply chain research initiative at Fike. Grounded in Theory of Constraints (TOC), Fike has developed a signaling system designed to communicate priorities and drive action across Purchasing, Planning, and Manufacturing. This intern will study how those signals are being received and used in practice - conducting field observations across functional teams, mapping the reality of signal behavior on the floor, and then returning to system data to understand the underlying logic. The goal is not to prescribe solutions, but to produce a rigorous behavioral and data-informed study that gives Fike a clearer picture of where its TOC-based signaling system is working as intended, where it has drifted, and where opportunities for improvement exist.

1. Read The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and develop a working understanding of Theory of Constraints principles including drum-buffer-rope, buffer management, and constraint subordination.
2. Shadows team members across Purchasing, Planning, and Manufacturing to observe and document the signals each function receives - including work order releases, priority queues, color indicators, and system alerts.
3. Conducts structured interviews and informal conversations to understand how team members interpret and respond to those signals in practice.
4. Maps the gap between how the signaling system was designed to function under TOC principles and how it is actually being used day-to-day.
5. Analyzes relevant ERP and system data to understand the logic behind work order release rules, buffer status indicators, and queue prioritization.
6. Compiles findings into a clear, well-structured report and present conclusions to supply chain leadership at the end of the internship.
7. Adheres to safety practices, 6S, and follows Fike policies.
8. Maintains confidentiality of all information processed.

Attention to detail, problem solving, communication, organization, and ability to work cross-functionally. Basic proficiency in computer applications and data management. Ability to understand and support processes that connect supply, demand, and customer fulfillment. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

While performing the duties of this job, the environment is general office work and the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, hear, see, stand, sit, and use hands.

REQUIRED:Currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field. Comfort with qualitative research methods - observing, documenting, and synthesizing findings. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or data analysis tools. Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to spend meaningful time on the production floor.

PREFERRED:Exposure to ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar). Prior coursework or interest in operations management, lean manufacturing, or systems thinking. Familiarity with Theory of Constraints or exposure to The Goal (a copy will be provided).