About the role#
This 12-week internship program places you within the Continuous Improvement (CI) team at SunOpta. You will work alongside professionals to support projects that drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and reduce waste in a food manufacturing environment. This is a full-time, paid position based in our Eden Prairie office.
What you'll do#
- Support CI initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
- Analyze operational data to find trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist in developing and implementing Standard Work, 5S, and Visual Management systems.
- Participate in and facilitate Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities.
- Document and create new or revised Standard Operating Procedures.
- Collaborate with teams in Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
- Research the use of AI and other digital tools to enhance manufacturing processes.
- Track project progress using key performance indicators and present findings to stakeholders.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's or graduate degree program in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or Data Analytics.
- At least sophomore standing.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools.
- Exposure to programming languages or tools related to AI or data analysis.
- Previous internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or operations environment is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
- Term: Summer 2027 (May 17, 2027, through August 6, 2027).
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $20.00 per hour.
- Occasional travel to manufacturing sites may be required.
About SunOpta
SunOpta operates in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. It focuses on the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, non-GMO, and conventional food products. The company maintains a vertically integrated business model that spans from seed to finished goods. It is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people.
How to get in at SunOpta
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