CI Intern - Summer 2026

SunOpta Companies, Inc • Eden Prairie, MN • 14h ago

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 internship 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 Continuous Improvement (CI) team, interns will gain valuable hands-on experience supporting and leading projects that drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and reduce waste in a food manufacturing environment. Projects may include data analysis, process optimization, documentation of standard work, research into cutting-edge technologies (including artificial intelligence applications), and cross-functional collaboration with other departments. Essential Functions of the Job: CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT INTERNSHIP Support CI initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Analyze operational data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. Assist in the development and implementation of Standard Work, 5S, and Visual Management systems. Participate in and facilitate Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Whys). Document and develop new or revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Supply Chain. Conduct research on the use of AI and other digital tools to enhance manufacturing processes. Present project findings and recommendations to key stakeholders. Monitor and report on project progress using key performance indicators (KPIs). Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must be working toward a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Data Analytics, or a related field. Candidates must be at least a sophomore in college and actively pursuing a degree. Graduate students will be considered. Preferred Qualifications: Previous internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or operations environment. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus. Exposure to programming languages or tools related to AI or data analysis (e.g., Python, R) is a bonus. Additional Considerations: Travel: Occasional travel may be required to SunOpta manufacturing sites for project support or implementation. Location: This position will be located at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN. This is a 12-week program, running 5/19/26 through 8/7/26. Pay Rate: $20.00/hour. Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED The Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Employer does not discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant's consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

Similar Jobs

Director, Core Platform Deposit Operations- Optum Bank

UnitedHealth Group • Eden Prairie, MN • 2h ago

Finance, Accounting & Banking

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the ca...

2h ago

Go to Apply

U.S. Bank Legal Project Manager - Corporate and Subsidiary Governance

U.S. Bank • Minneapolis, MN • 2h ago

Legal & Paralegal

At U.S. Bank, we're on a journey to do our best. Helping the customers and businesses we serve to make better and smarter financial decisions and enabling the communities we support to grow and succeed. We believe it tak...

2h ago

Go to Apply

U.S. Private Bank - AWM Program Associate

JPMorgan Chase • Minneapolis, MN • 2h ago

Finance, Accounting & Banking

We are actively looking for exceptionally talented individuals who are collaborative, confident and motivated to provide a first-class experience to clients within J.P. Morgan's U.S. Private Bank. If you have an entrepre...

2h ago

Go to Apply