Operational Excellence Intern – Fort Dodge, Iowa (Summer 2027)

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Mentorship program

Networking events

Job summary

Elanco Animal Health is offering an Operational Excellence Intern position at the Fort Dodge, IA manufacturing plant for Summer 2027. You will join the global OpEx team, applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency and quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities include supporting Lean initiatives, analyzing data to identify process improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in engineering, science, or data analysis field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence (OpEx) initiatives.
• Work on projects to optimize workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance productivity.
• Utilize data analysis to establish process improvement methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a pharmaceutical space.

Skills

Microsoft Suites

Data analysis

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Currently enrolled in engineering, science, or data analysis field

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 – Fort Dodge, Iowa (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 Fort Dodge, Iowa 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: Fort Dodge Manufacturing Plant, Fort Dodge, IA

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.

EEO Statement:

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.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.