Continuous Improvement Intern

DescriptionThis is a summer intern position from May through August.About Anderson Erickson DairyAnderson Erickson Dairy is a family-owned company and has been in business for nearly 100 years. We pride ourselves on being a home-grown Iowa company with roots that run deep in the local community: great products, great people, and ridiculously high standards.About the RoleOur interns will lead the plant in projects for Operations, Quality, and Maintenance. Projects will help to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and/or scrap reduction.Key ResponsibilitiesSafety & Compliance Ensure all safety regulations are followed within industrial engineering and continuous improvement activities. Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards in equipment, processes, and workspaces. Report or correct unsafe equipment, acts, material revisions, and product deviations immediately. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement Assist in evaluating and improving manufacturing and business processes through time studies and process flow analysis. Identify inefficiencies and develop recommendations for workflow enhancements, automation, and material handling improvements. Quality & Data Analysis Collect, analyze, and interpret quality data. Develop and document Standard Work Instructions for Production Employees. Identify trends and root causes of quality defects using statistical analysis. Support the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and non-manufacturing areas. Core Competencies Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively. Analysis: Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes. Mathematics: Applies basic and advanced math skills accurately in job-related functions. Collaboration: Works well with others toward shared goals, contributing constructively to team efforts. Adaptability: Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing circumstances, priorities, and feedback. Qualifications Education: Must be pursuing a manufacturing-relevant four-year degree including, but not limited to, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Technology. Experience: Entry-level position; internship or academic project experience preferred. Leadership: Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, production teams, and support departments. Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools required. Working Arrangement This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA office. Job Requirements Must be able to occasionally lift up to 45lbs and be able to stand for up to 4 hours. Must be age eighteen (18) or older. Qualified candidates must be able to communicate (verbally, written, read) in English. Qualified candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical aptitude test, and a background check. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical instructions. High mechanical aptitude with the ability to complete moderate-level mathematical calculations. Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Must be comfortable working in a factory shop floor environment. No travel required. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-03-17