FSQ Intern

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pay rate: $20.00/hour

Job summary

SunOpta in Eden Prairie, MN, offers a 12-week Food Safety & Quality internship designed to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects alongside our FSQ team. You will support audits, supplier scorecards, and process improvements while learning GMPs and safety practices.

This paid internship runs from 5/17/2027 to 8/6/2027, requires you to be enrolled in a related bachelor's degree, and welcomes sophomores or graduate students. Travel to SunOpta locations may be required.

Qualifications

• Working towards a bachelor's degree in a related field (food science/technology, engineering, microbiology, analytical chemistry)
• Sophomore standing required; graduate students considered
• Travel may be required to SunOpta locations

Responsibilities

• Support Food Safety & Quality projects including quality management systems, supplier quality, specifications, and governance.
• Assist with Real-World Audit Prep and third-party audits by organizing documentation and identifying gaps.
• Develop supplier scorecards and dashboards using real data from ingredients/vendors; improve FSQ workflows and documentation.
• Support training development for FSQ teams and contribute to strengthening food safety culture.
• Present project findings and recommendations to leadership and adhere to GMPs and safety procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field (food science/technology, engineering, microbiology, analytical chemistry)

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 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 team, interns will gain valuable hands‑on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and improve processes.

Essential Functions of the Job

FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY INTERNSHIP

• Contribute to projects supporting Food Safety & Quality. Areas of focus could include quality management systems, supplier quality, specifications, manufacturing programs, food safety culture, certifications, or governance.
• Project examples include:
  • Real-World Audit Prep
  • Help prepare for third-party food safety audits by organizing documentation and identifying gaps.
  • Shadow audit walkthroughs and learn how global food safety standards are applied in practice.
  • Supplier Scorecard Development
    • Build a supplier risk dashboard using real data from ingredient and packaging vendors.
    • Learn how companies assess food safety risks across their supply chain.
  • Streamline FSQ Processes
    • Map and simplify key food safety workflows across departments, reducing manual steps and improving documentation efficiency.
    • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to reduce bottlenecks.
  • Develop Training for FSQ Teams
    • Identify the best method for training and build the tools for delivery.
  • Advance Food Safety Culture
    • Support planning of special events and programs related to strengthening our food safety culture.
  • Present project findings and recommendations to leadership.
  • Adhere to company GMP's (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures and all other quality processes.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must be working towards a bachelor's degree in a related field (food science/technology, engineering, microbiology, analytical chemistry)
• Candidates must be at least a sophomore in college and actively pursuing a degree.
• Graduate students will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship experience.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Strong interpersonal, problem‑solving, and leadership skills.

Additional Considerations

• Travel: Travel may be required to various SunOpta locations
• Location: This position will be located at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• This is a 12-week program running 5/17/2027 through 8/6/2027.
• Pay Rate: $20.00/hour.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

About the job description

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED