Ignition Summer Internship

IGNITION: Hardinger Summer Internship Program

Spark your potential. Ignite your Path.

Program Overview

Duration: May – August 2026 (12 weeks)
Location: Onsite – 1314 West 18th Street, Erie, PA
Positions Available: 3 Internships 

Eligibility: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, or Marketing
Compensation: Paid
Reports To: Hardinger Affiliate Mentor & Organizational Development Coordinator

About the Program

The Ignition Summer Internship Program combines rotational training, cross-functional project work, and a leadership presentation experience — giving you a front-row seat to the world of logistics while helping you gain life skills, mentorship, and connections that last beyond summer.

Over the course of the program, you’ll rotate through different areas of our business, shadow professionals, and learn by doing — discovering how logistics really works and where your passions and strengths fit best. From ride-alongs and warehouse walk-throughs to team events and leadership meetups, you’ll see how the Hardinger network runs and how your ideas can help drive it forward.

Your experience wraps up with the Ignition Impact Project, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned to a real business challenge. You’ll collaborate with teammates, lean on mentors, and use your creativity to make a meaningful contribution that supports Hardinger’s future — and your own.

About Hardinger

Hardinger is comprised of separate affiliates specializing in trucking, warehousing, brokerage services, and transportation management systems (technology-driven logistics solutions). Each affiliate operates independently while collaborating to deliver seamless logistics services to our clients.

Rotational Experience

First 2 Weeks
Get a true 360° view of logistics in action. You’ll know your project outlines ahead of time so you can use these rotations to gather insights, ask questions, and prepare for your Impact Project.

• Warehousing: Dive into lean processes, inventory accuracy, and space utilization strategies.
• Trucking: Learn about fleet management, driver engagement, and safety excellence.
• Brokerage & TMS: Explore freight sourcing, carrier management, and transportation management systems.
• EQPT Services: Observe maintenance operations and support equipment overhaul initiatives.
• Hardinger Integrated Logistics: Discover how technology, data, and leadership drive operational excellence — and how strategic marketing, communication, and customer engagement play a key role in connecting these solutions to clients.

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Ignition Impact Project

After your rotations, you’ll join one of the Hardinger affiliates — Trucking, Warehouse, Brokerage, TMS, or Marketing — to identify and help solve a real operational challenge.

You’ll conduct research, analyze data, and design creative solutions — all with support from your mentors. Finally, you’ll present your findings to the Leadership Team, gaining valuable presentation experience while showcasing your perspective and professional growth.

Hardinger is committed to our Four Core Values — Team Powered, Making It Easy, It’s Handled, and Driven to Innovate — which guide everything we do across our affiliates. These pillars drive operational excellence, client satisfaction, and innovative solutions. Each project within the Ignition Program aligns with these values, ensuring your work contributes to what matters most at Hardinger.

• Team Powered – Collaborate across affiliates to drive shared success
• Making It Easy – Simplify and improve the client and team member experience
• It’s Handled – Build accountability and deliver measurable results
• Driven to Innovate – Design creative, forward-thinking solutions

Project Components:

• Conduct research and data analysis
• Develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance the client experience
• Pilot or model solutions where feasible
• Prepare a final presentation with actionable recommendations

Responsibilities

• Participate in rotational training across Trucking, Warehouse, Brokerage/TMS, and Marketing 
• Observe processes, collect data, and identify areas for improvement
• Develop dashboards, reports, and process maps to communicate findings
• Collaborate with mentors to implement pilot solutions or simulations
• Ability to work onsite at 1314 West 18th Street, Erie, PA, for the duration of the internship
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25lbs, stand, or walk in warehouse or operational environments.

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to multiple sides of the logistics and transportation industry
• Build lasting connections through mentorship and networking with experienced professionals across affiliates
• Hands-on experience in real business operations
• Leadership, analytical, and presentation skills
• The opportunity to make a measurable impact through the Ignition Impact Project — adding powerful, career-ready experience to your resume.

Who Should Apply

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Data Analytics, or Marketing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; exposure to SAS or other industry platforms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Application Instructions

To apply for the Ignition Summer Internship Program, please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter – Tell us why you’re interested in logistics, data analysis, marketing, or process improvement
• Optional: Transcript or portfolio of relevant work

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 (early applications encouraged)

Please apply here:

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=430d97a026b77748&from=shareddesktop_copy