Human Resources Intern, Operations

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

As a Human Resources Intern (Operations), you will support the Milwaukee Operations and Loading Business Unit HR team while gaining practical exposure to employee support, recruiting, onboarding, workforce systems, labor relations, employee engagement, safety, and continuous improvement. You will contribute to visible projects that improve the experience of interns, employees, supervisors, and HR partners.

This position will be based onsite at our South Harbor location in Milwaukee’s Harbor District. The target start date is Summer 2027. We offer full-time hours during the summer, with the potential for flexible part-time hours during the Fall 2027 academic semester based on business need and student availability.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Loading Business Unit Teams to facilitate the creation of job descriptions (JD’s).
• Support the 2027 intern program: Working closely with our HR specialist in coordinating preboarding, onboarding, Day 1 readiness, manager and mentor introductions, engagement activities, feedback checkpoints, and end-of-program activities.
• Help maintain and improve standardized intern program resources, including process documentation, role responsibilities, onboarding timelines, checklists, communications, surveys, and tracking tools.
• Learn and assist with campus recruiting and intern candidate management, including career fair preparation, interview scheduling, candidate communications, panel interview logistics, and recruiting data organization.
• HR System Facilitation: Including SAP, UKG, WFM, and Success Factors
• Participate in employee communication, recognition, volunteer, and engagement initiatives that connect hourly and salaried employees across the Loading Business Unit.
• Gain exposure to employee relations, labor relations, job changes, attendance and leave processes, and HR investigations through observation, documentation support, and assigned project work, while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in Safety Gemba walks, ergonomics activities, and cross-functional improvement discussions; document observations and support approved communications or follow-up actions.
• Use Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Forms, Teams, and other HR systems to develop reports, presentations, process guides, trackers, and employee-facing communications.
• Partner with HR and cross-functional teams on additional projects that improve process consistency, employee experience, compliance, and operational support.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or master’s-level student in good academic standing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively toward shared goals.
• Strong organization, follow-through, and personal time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a professional, service-oriented approach.
• Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to adapt when circumstances change.
• Ability to handle employee and business information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

Preferred qualifications

• Junior or Senior standing in an applicable degree program.
• Availability to work approximately 40 hours per week during the summer.
• Interest in HR operations, HR systems, workforce management, recruiting, employee experience, labor relations, or process improvement.
• Experience developing reports, trackers, surveys, presentations, process documentation, or training materials.
• Comfort working with data and learning new systems; experience with Microsoft Forms or Excel reporting is a plus.
• Interest in learning about manufacturing, heavy equipment, and the employee experience within an operational environment.
• Ability to work onsite and engage with employees and leaders across office and manufacturing settings.

Additional Information About Our Internship Program

The Komatsu Internship Program is rooted in community, collaboration, and innovation. Intern program perks include:

• Several Intern-inclusive networking opportunities such as:
• Meet & greets with executive leadership
• Volunteer Week
• Appreciation Events
• End-of-Summer Capstone presentations
• Company-sponsored travel opportunities
• Access to amenities at Milwaukee HQ’s including a coffee shop, cafeteria serving breakfast and lunch, and free onsite fitness center
• Potential to come back or join us as full-time employees
• Real-world project work alongside local, regional, and global team members
• Mentorship from experienced subject-matter experts in your field

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!

If you want to learn more about Komatsu, please visit our website at https://www.komatsu.com/ .