CI Intern

SunOpta; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta invites applications for a 12-week Continuous Improvement internship at our corporate office in Eden Prairie, MN. You will work with the CI team to support safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements in a food manufacturing setting.

Projects include data analysis, standard work development, 5S and visual management, and cross-functional Kaizen events. Prior exposure to Lean/Six Sigma and tools like Excel, Power BI or Tableau is a plus.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or Data Analytics.
• Sophomore standing or higher; graduate students considered.

Responsibilities

• Support CI initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement Standard Work, 5S, and Visual Management systems.
• Participate in Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities (Fishbone, 5 Whys).
• Document and update SOPs; collaborate with Production, QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Research AI and other digital tools to enhance manufacturing processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Excel

Data visualization tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

This is a 12-week internship program where interns will apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom by working alongside professionals at SunOpta. As part of the Continuous Improvement (CI) team, interns will gain valuable hands‑on experience supporting and leading projects that drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and reduce waste in a food manufacturing environment. Projects may include data analysis, process optimization, documentation of standard work, research into cutting‑edge technologies (including artificial intelligence applications), and cross‑functional collaboration with other departments.

Essential Functions of the Job:

* CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT INTERNSHIP

• Support CI initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Standard Work, 5S, and Visual Management systems.
• Participate in and facilitate Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Whys).
• Document and develop new or revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Conduct research on the use of AI and other digital tools to enhance manufacturing processes.
• Present project findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on project progress using key performance indicators (KPIs).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be working toward a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• Candidates must be at least a sophomore in college and actively pursuing a degree.
• Graduate students will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship or co‑op experience in a manufacturing or operations environment.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
• Exposure to programming languages or tools related to AI or data analysis (e.g., Python, R) is a bonus.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel: Occasional travel may be required to SunOpta manufacturing sites for project support or implementation.
• Location: This position will be located at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• This is a 12-week program, running 5/17/27 through 8/6/27.
• Pay Rate: $20.00/hour.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED