About the role#
This 12-week summer internship allows you to apply your academic knowledge alongside professionals at SunOpta. You will work on projects that support Food Safety & Quality, including quality management systems, supplier quality, and manufacturing programs. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
What you'll do#
- Help prepare for third-party food safety audits by organizing documentation and identifying gaps.
- Shadow audit walkthroughs to see how global food safety standards are applied in practice.
- Build a supplier risk dashboard using real data from ingredient and packaging vendors.
- Map and simplify key food safety workflows across departments to reduce manual steps.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and remove process bottlenecks.
- Identify effective training methods and build the tools for delivery.
- Support the planning of special events and programs related to food safety culture.
- Present your project findings and recommendations to leadership.
- Adhere to company GMPs, safety procedures, and all other quality processes.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's degree program in food science, technology, engineering, microbiology, analytical chemistry, or a related field.
- You must be at least a sophomore in college. Graduate students are also eligible to apply.
- Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and leadership skills are preferred.
- Previous internship experience and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
- Term: Summer 2027 (May 17, 2027 to August 6, 2027).
- Work Modality: This is an on-site role. Travel to various SunOpta locations may be required.
- Employment Type: Full-time paid internship.
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
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at SunOpta, as recruiters often review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing ensures your materials are seen while the team is still actively building their shortlist. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific contacts responsible for SunOpta hiring, allowing you to ask relevant questions or request a referral. This direct approach often proves more effective than submitting an application into a general queue.



