Operational Excellence Intern

Knobelsdorff Enterprises; Minnesota; On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Knobelsdorff Enterprises is seeking an Operations Excellence student to join our team in Goodhue, Minnesota. You will participate in driving improvements, documenting processes, and supporting project success across multiple functions.

You’ll work five days a week while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, developing skills in operations management, and gaining hands-on experience with SOPs, metrics, and change initiatives.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field with strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• Ability to work in Goodhue, MN five days a week.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Document and refine standardized processes, SOPs and playbooks.
• Collaborate with teams to identify opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
• Define, track, and report KPIs for operational excellence.
• Support change management and promote adoption of new tools and processes.
• Work cross-functionally to support project success and strategic goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Verbal/written/presentation skills

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering/Operations Management or related field

Job description

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff (KE) means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you. This position will start May 2027.

Job Description

You’ll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Assist in documenting and refining standardized processes, SOPs, and playbooks.
• Partner with the teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
• Define, track, and report key performance indicators related to operational excellence.
• Support change management initiatives and promote adoption of new processes and tools.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support project success and strategic goals.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

You’re someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:

• Ability to work in Goodhue, MN 5 days per week.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel as required.

Additional Information

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $20 - $25/hour

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical requirements may include:

• Must be able to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, walk, and sit for long periods of time
• Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying up to 80 lbs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying conditions

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at [emailprotected] .

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.