Operational Excellence Intern – Elwood, Kansas (Summer 2027)

Elanco; Elwood (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Mentorship

Professional development

Networking events

Job summary

Elanco Internship Program is seeking a Summer 2027 Operational Excellence Intern for the Elwood, KS manufacturing plant. You will join the global OpEx team, delivering projects to improve manufacturing and quality efficiency using Lean Six Sigma and best practices.

The role involves cross-functional collaboration, data analysis, and cost/time optimization, with travel up to 10% to Indianapolis. Competitive pay of $20–$40/hour is offered for the summer period.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in engineering, science, or data analysis field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis.
• Willingness to learn and interest in reviewing and improving processes, data and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Assist in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and other best practices to drive OpEx initiatives.
• Work on projects focused on optimizing workflows, eliminating waste, and enhancing productivity.
• Utilize data analysis to establish process improvement methods.
• Investigate ideas for cost-savings and time management.
• Work within cross-functional teams to implement process improvements in a pharmaceutical space.

Skills

MS Office

Willingness to learn

Process data analysis

Education

Engineering, science, or data analysis field enrolled

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets.

At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Operational Excellence Intern – Elwood, Kansas (Summer 2027)

As a Summer 2027 Operational Excellence Intern with Elanco Animal Health, you will be part of the global operational excellence team at our Elwood, Kansas manufacturing plant, delivering projects that make the manufacturing and quality organization run efficiently. In this role, you will be assisting the global team with implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies and other best practices to drive operational excellence (OpEx) initiatives.

Your Responsibilities:

• Assist in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and other best practices to drive operational excellence (OpEx) initiatives
• Work on projects focused on optimizing workflows, eliminating waste, and enhancing overall productivity.
• Utilize data analysis to establish process improvement methods
• Investigate ideas for cost-savings and time management.
• Work within cross-functional teams to implement process improvements within a pharmaceutical space.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: Currently enrolled in engineering, science, or data analysis field.
• Top Skills: Experience in Microsoft Suites, a willingness to learn, and interest in reviewing and improving processes, data, and statistics.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Prior internship or professional experience in process improvement and optimization
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Must be able to work exceptionally well independently and with minimal supervision

Additional Information:

• Travel: 10% - to corporate facility in Indianapolis, IN for opening/closing
• Location: Elwood Manufacturing Plant, Elwood, KS

Elanco’s Internship Program

Our internship program is designed to give students meaningful, hands-on experience as they kickstart their careers. Internships are project-based and focused on business-critical needs, giving every intern the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Elanco’s success over the summer. At the heart of the experience is our belief that making life better for animals makes life better.

• Internship Dates: May 17th – August 6th, 2027
• Competitive Salary: $20-$40/hour (dependent upon major and year in school)
• Professional Development: Networking events, assigned mentors, and learning resources are provided.
• Housing: Financial support and help securing housing is available
• Future opportunities: High-performing interns may be considered for full-time roles or additional internships, based on business needs.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job–related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.