Welcome to Love's! Our Distribution and Transportation Department is seeking an Industrial Engineer I to support operational excellence initiatives across distribution centers and tire retread manufacturing facilities by applying foundational industrial engineering principles to improve safety, quality, productivity, and process consistency. This entry-level engineering role partners with operations teams to collect data, document workflows, and support continuous improvement initiatives within warehouse and manufacturing environments.

Under the guidance of senior engineers, the Industrial Engineer I develops capability in Lean manufacturing, time studies, material flow analysis, and standardized work documentation while gaining exposure to tire retread production processes such as inspection, buffing, building, curing, and finishing operations. This role is designed to build technical capability and operational knowledge necessary to progress into project leadership responsibilities as an Industrial Engineer II.

Job Functions:

Continuous Improvement Support

· Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across distribution and tire retread operations

· Participate in Kaizen and improvement events led by senior engineers

· Assist in identifying process inefficiencies and waste reduction opportunities

Manufacturing & Retread Operations Support

· Support engineering activities within tire retread manufacturing processes, including inspection, buffing, building, curing, and finishing operations

· Assist in documenting current-state production workflows and material flow between work centers

· Collect and organize production data to support process improvement efforts

Material Flow & Operational Support

· Assist in evaluating warehouse and production workflows including receiving, storage, picking, staging, and shipping

· Support slotting activities and maintain facility layout documentation

· Participate in observation of labor workflows and material movement

Data Collection & Work Measurement

· Conduct time studies and assist in work measurement activities

· Collect, validate, and organize operational performance data

· Support maintenance of productivity and performance tracking tools

Standard Work & Documentation

· Assist in development and maintenance of standardized work documentation

· Document operational workflows and update process maps

· Support preparation of job instructions and training materials

Project Support

· Support engineering projects led by Industrial Engineer II or senior engineers

· Complete assigned project tasks such as data collection, workflow observation, and documentation

· Participate in project implementation activities under direction

Safety & Compliance

· Support safety initiatives and hazard identification efforts

· Follow OSHA and company safety policies

· Maintain organized and safe work environments

Experience and Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline (required)

· 0–2 years of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing, distribution, or related operations

· Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing, logistics, or engineering environments (preferred)

· Exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles (preferred)

· Experience in tire manufacturing, rubber processing, or retread operations (a plus)

· Up to 50% overnight travel may be required to support multi-site operations, process improvement initiatives, and engineering project execution.

· Must have a valid driver’s license

Skills:

· Foundational knowledge of industrial engineering concepts

· Basic understanding of manufacturing or warehouse operations

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Ability to collect and interpret operational data

· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

· Effective written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required

· Exposure to SAP ERP, Manhattan and/or SAP WMS, MES, or similar systems (a plus)

Typical Physical Demands:

· Active role requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping

· Ability to work within operational and production environments

· Manual dexterity sufficient to operate tools and equipment

· Requires normal range of hearing and vision to perform job functions effectively

Background Checks: All offers of employment may be conditioned on receipt of a background check report and/or drug screen that is acceptable to Love’s

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be working within a fast-paced distribution center and tire retread plant environment where there may be wide temperature variations depending on weather conditions. While performing duties, the employee is frequently exposed to industrial noise, dust and rubber materials, cleaning solutions and industrial chemicals, powered material handling equipment, commercial truck traffic, and production/retread machinery.

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work extended hours, including weekends, based on business needs

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support engineering, operational priorities, and evolving business needs.

CULTURE & VALUES: Demonstrate and promote Love’s Core Values, including: Focus on the Customer, Integrity, Strong Work Ethic, Innovative Thinking, and Perserverience. Employees are expected to model these values in daily interactions and operational decision-making.

EEO STATEMENT: Love’s Travel Stops Inc. and Its Affiliates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Our Culture: 

Fueling customers' journeys since 1964, innovation leads the way for this family-owned and operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City. With nearly 40,000 team members, travel stops are the core business along with products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, traveling public, RVers, alternative energy and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities and an inclusive workplace are hallmarks of the award-winning culture.

Love's is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply.