CI Intern

SunOpta, Inc.; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. is offering a 12-week Continuous Improvement internship at our Eden Prairie, MN corporate office. Interns will work with the CI team to drive operational excellence, support safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements, and lead projects across manufacturing processes.

You will analyze data, develop standard work, 5S, and visual management, and participate in Kaizen events. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and exposure to AI tools are key parts of the program.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in a related field.
• Minimum sophomore standing; active enrollment in a degree program.

Responsibilities

• Support CI initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement Standard Work, 5S and Visual Management systems.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities (Fishbone, 5 Whys).
• Document and update SOPs.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering and Supply Chain.
• Research AI and other digital tools to enhance manufacturing processes.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Monitor progress using KPIs.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering / Operations Management / Food Science / Data Analytics

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

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.