Summer Continuous Improvement Intern – Manufacturing

KLN Family Brands; Perham (MN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

KLN Family Brands/Tuffy’s Pet Foods is seeking a Continuous Improvement Intern for the summer of 2027 in Perham, MN. The role focuses on identifying opportunities across departments, leading improvement projects, and applying lean manufacturing principles.

You will work closely with the Continuous Improvement Manager, participate in tier meetings, and present outcomes to leadership. Must be a junior in college in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering and available for 10–12 weeks

Qualifications

• Junior in college pursuing a degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10–12 weeks summer internship period.
• On-site at Perham, MN facility.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Able to work in a team atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with employees across multiple departments to identify improvement opportunities and support operational excellence.
• Attend and participate in tier meetings throughout the day.
• Support and lead continuous improvement projects including Just Do It (JDI) initiatives and data collection efforts.
• Participate in meetings, training sessions, and cross-functional projects supporting strategic initiatives.
• Lead and complete a meaningful improvement project addressing a business need.
• Projects may focus on waste reduction, cost savings, process optimization, 5S, equipment support, or data analysis.
• Present project results and measurable outcomes to business leaders at internship conclusion.

Skills

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Teamwork

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Junior in college (Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering)

Job description

KLN Family Brands/Tuffy’s Pet Foods is seeking a Continuous Improvement Intern for the summer of 2027 in Perham, MN. The role focuses on identifying opportunities across departments, leading improvement projects, and applying lean manufacturing principles.

You will work closely with the Continuous Improvement Manager, participate in tier meetings, and present outcomes to leadership. Must be a junior in college in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering and available for 10–12 weeks