Continuous Improvement Intern

Vet's Plus; Menomonie (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Vet's Plus is seeking a Continuous Improvement Intern to support lean manufacturing and process optimization across production and packaging lines (soft chews, gels, powders, etc.). You will gain hands-on experience with data collection, time studies, and CI initiatives while contributing to efficiency, safety, quality, and cost savings in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

The role emphasizes teamwork with supervisors, operators, and engineers, plus development of training materials and SOP

Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in data collection, time studies, and VA/NVA analysis on manufacturing lines.
• Participation in CI projects or cost-saving initiatives is desirable.
• Ability to document CI efforts and root-cause analysis sessions.
• Create and maintain visual management dashboards and standard work documents.
• Assist with 5S and workplace organization improvements.
• Collaborate with supervisors, operators, and engineers to validate ideas and drive change.
• Support development of training materials, SOP updates, and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in data collection, time studies, and VA/NVA analyses across production and packaging lines.
• Support CI projects, cost savings, and root-cause analysis sessions.
• Document CI projects and present findings to CI Engineer and leadership.
• Create dashboards and visual management tools.
• Support 5S and workplace organization improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate improvement ideas.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Tools

Power BI

AutoCAD

Lucidchart

SmartDraw

Job description

Summary of the Position: The Continuous Improvement (CI) Intern will support ongoing Lean Manufacturing and process optimization initiatives across our production and packaging operations. This role is designed for someone who is eager to learn, passionate about problem-solving, and motivated to make an impact in a manufacturing environment. You will gain hands-on experience in lean tools, data analysis, project execution, and cross-functional teamwork, while contributing directly to improvements in efficiency, safety, quality, and cost savings

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assist in data collection, time studies, and VA/NVA analysis across manufacturing and packaging lines (soft chews, gels, powders, hot extrusion, injection molding, etc.).
• Support CI projects and CI cards such as reducing downtime, improving throughput, minimizing yield loss, and enhancing packaging efficiency.
• Participate in and document CI projects, Cost Savings, and root cause analysis sessions.
• Create and maintain visual management tools (dashboards, production boards, standard work documents).
• Assist in implementing 5S and workplace organization improvements.
• Work with supervisors, operators, and engineers to gather input and validate improvement ideas and drive change.
• Support development of training materials, SOP updates, and presentations.
• Track project progress, create reports, and present findings to CI Engineer and leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Strong interest in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools. Lucidchart, Smartdraw, AutoCad, and Power BI knowledge is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.