Continuous Improvement/Research & Development Intern

Company Description

Running with Sasquatch is more than just a clever marketing campaign. As a Jack Link’s team member, Running with Sasquatch means we roll up our buffalo plaid sleeves and do the hard work first. We don’t shy away from challenges. In fact, we push hard and take risks. True to our North Woods roots, we're a bunch of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things by driving results with innovation, creativity and a clear sense of urgency. Like our awesome protein products, we have an unwavering passion for quality, and you won’t find anything artificial here. What you see is what you get…authentic, humble and fun people who Run with Sasquatch!

Running with Sasquatch takes a team. We invite you to run with us, succeed with us, and celebrate with us. Most importantly, Feed Your Wild Side® with us on our journey to be the dominant global leader of branded protein snacks!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Still family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates a total of 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities in four countries. Jack Link’s produces high-quality, great-tasting protein snacks that feed the wild sides of consumers around the world. Jack Link's Protein Snacks family of brands includes Jack Link's, LK, World Kitchens Jerky, Bifi and Peperami.

Job Description

Join Jack Link's as a Continuous Improvement (CI)/Research & Development (R&D) Intern during the summer of 2026 in New Glarus, WI! The CI/R&D Intern is responsible for assisting the implementation of the Jack Link’s Continuous Improvement Process. The position will be a resource to the Plant Leadership and Performance System implementation teams facilitating meetings, kaizen events, metrics and assisting in the root cause problem solving processes within the facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Be the plant level change agent responsible for leading and managing continuous improvement processes.
• Work along with the Plant Leadership Team to monitor plant targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s.)
• Establish action plans and follow-up meetings, as needed, to advance process improvements to achieve targets.
• Instill “hands-on,” systematic approach to problem solving (“Gemba.”)
• Continually challenge individuals and teams to improve through systematic application of continuous improvement methodologies and leading by example.

• Manage the plant level Key Performance Indicator charting and posting process including daily, weekly, and monthly KPI’s.
• Simplify the data line performance collection process, automate if possible.

• Leverage Statistics and other data analysis methods to provide data to plant teams and operational leadership to facilitate the improvement of operations within the facility.

• Be a member on improvement teams to help with data analysis, problem solving and presentation of solutions to various levels of the organization.
• Facilitate Kaizen Events to drive improvements in performance.

• Lead site’s Jack Link’s Performance System (JLPS) program for improvements.

•  Be the owner of the Simple Root Cause problem solving tool and train people on its use.

• Implement a cost savings tracking process based on corporate process.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

• You will develop a final presentation on your experience highlighting project work, accomplishments, and insight on Jack Link’s as a company.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Required Education:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Food Science, Industrial, Manufacturing or Business Engineering.

 Will consider candidates with another technical degree and related experience.

Preferred Education:

• Completed Freshman or Sophomore year in degree program. 

Required Experience:

• Six Sigma/Lean knowledge
• Experience in statistical process control, root-cause analysis, and or analytical methods

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Presentation and Project Management experience

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Proven thorough understanding of continuous improvement activities.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively on a phone and before