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Process Optimization Internship Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization

Maplewood, MN · Hybrid

$43.75 - $60/hr

Provides guidance and training to interns, new hires and other engineers. Participates in and leads ... Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems and processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop ...

This potential opportunity could offer hands-on experience as part of an Agile engineering team, contributing to process automation, testing strategies, and design optimization. Interns in similar ...

This potential opportunity could offer hands-on experience as part of an Agile engineering team, contributing to process automation, testing strategies, and design optimization. Interns in similar ...

Director, Talent Acquisition

Blaine, MN · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

... process optimization, automation and AI-enabled solutions to enhance recruiting effectiveness ... recruiting, internship, and emerging talent pipelines to support organizational growth and ...

Director, Talent Acquisition

Blaine, MN · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

... process optimization, automation and AI-enabled solutions to enhance recruiting effectiveness ... recruiting, internship, and emerging talent pipelines to support organizational growth and ...

Director, Talent Acquisition

Blaine, MN · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

... process optimization, automation and AI-enabled solutions to enhance recruiting effectiveness ... recruiting, internship, and emerging talent pipelines to support organizational growth and ...

Director, Talent Acquisition

Fridley, MN · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

... process optimization, automation and AI-enabled solutions to enhance recruiting effectiveness ... recruiting, internship, and emerging talent pipelines to support organizational growth and ...

Mechanical Systems Engineer Intern

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Job Summary & Responsibilities This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high ... improvements and process optimization. * Read, understand, and interpret mechanical drawings ...

Job Summary & Responsibilities This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high ... improvements and process optimization. * Read, understand, and interpret mechanical drawings ...

Sr. Lead Mechanical Engineer

Chaska, MN · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

... process optimization. Supplier & Vendor Coordination * Manage relationships with vendors and ... Mentor junior engineers, interns, and co-op roles to foster technical growth and team development ...

Sr. Lead Mechanical Engineer

Chaska, MN

$112K - $148K/yr

... process optimization. Supplier & Vendor Coordination * Manage relationships with vendors and ... Mentor junior engineers, interns, and co-op roles to foster technical growth and team development ...

Sr. Lead Mechanical Engineer

Chaska, MN · On-site

$118K - $143K/yr

... process optimization. Supplier & Vendor Coordination * Manage relationships with vendors and ... Mentor junior engineers, interns, and co-op roles to foster technical growth and team development ...

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Process Optimization Internship information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

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How much do process optimization internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for process optimization internship in Minneapolis, MN is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a Process Optimization Internship?

As a Process Optimization Intern, you'll typically be involved in projects that analyze and improve operational workflows within the company. This may include mapping current processes, identifying inefficiencies, collecting and analyzing data, and proposing actionable solutions. Interns often collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as operations, engineering, and quality assurance, to gather insights and implement improvements. These hands-on projects provide valuable exposure to real-world problem-solving and can help build a foundation for a career in process improvement or operations management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Optimization Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Optimization Intern, you need a solid understanding of process analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving, often supported by coursework in industrial engineering, operations management, or related fields. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel, process mapping software (such as Visio), and data analytics platforms is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset help interns effectively collaborate with teams and identify improvement opportunities. These skills are crucial for analyzing current workflows and implementing solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity.

What is the difference between Process Optimization Internship vs Process Improvement Specialist?

AspectProcess Optimization InternshipProcess Improvement Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, business, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in similar fields, with some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in corporate or manufacturing environmentsFull-time role in corporate, manufacturing, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies seeking interns to support process projectsFull-time position focused on analyzing and improving processes
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning-focused roleProfessional role with ongoing responsibilities

The Process Optimization Internship is an entry-level, temporary position designed for students or recent graduates gaining experience in process improvement. In contrast, a Process Improvement Specialist is a full-time professional responsible for analyzing and enhancing business processes. While both roles focus on process efficiency, the internship emphasizes learning and support, whereas the specialist role involves independent project management and strategic improvements.

What is a Process Optimization Internship?

A Process Optimization Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, where you assist organizations in analyzing and improving their business processes. Interns work under the guidance of experienced professionals to identify inefficiencies, suggest solutions, and sometimes help implement new strategies or technologies. This role often involves data analysis, process mapping, and collaboration with various departments to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Process Optimization Internships are common in industries like manufacturing, logistics, consulting, and finance. The goal is to gain practical experience while contributing to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Optimization jobs in Minneapolis, MN? The most popular types of Process Optimization jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Process Optimization Internship jobs in Minneapolis, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Process Optimization Internship jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:
What cities near Minneapolis, MN are hiring for Process Optimization Internship jobs? Cities near Minneapolis, MN with the most Process Optimization Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Optimization Internship job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 50% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,162 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization

3M

Maplewood, MN • Hybrid

$43.75 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:

Job Title

Sr Industrial Engineer, Optimization

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Sr. Industrial Engineer, Optimization at a 3M distribution center, you will play a pivotal role in driving operations excellence across our distribution centers. Your primary focus will be designing, implementing and optimizing network, drive advanced automation systems, labor management programs and continuous improvement projects. You will leverage your expertise in Industrial engineering to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality within our operations.

Collaborating closely with cross functional teams, including logistics, IT and operations, you will lead projects that streamline processes, reduce costs, and elevate our distribution capabilities. Your ability to analyze complex data, develop innovative solutions, and manage large scale projects will be critical to our success in meeting evolving business needs.

As a Senior Modeling Engineer in Global Logistics, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

Supply Chain Network Optimization: Lead and model network optimization scenarios, redesign distribution networks to improve cost efficiency, accuracy and through put.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify, analyze, and lead improvement projects across distribution centers, focusing on process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency gains.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, IT, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless integration of industrial engineering solutions and alignment with broader business goals.

Financial Responsibility: Manages financial aspects of a project team, including estimating expenditures, contributing to the creation of AFE, purchasing materials and/or services, monitoring and tracking costs, and payment. Proficient in engineering, sourcing, and financial systems to stay within established budget guidelines

Leadership: Manages business relationships across multi-disciplinary teams. Provides guidance and training to interns, new hires and other engineers. Participates in and leads teams. Applies working knowledge of key corporate initiatives and appropriate tools. May participate in or lead standards/guidelines teams.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in industrial/manufacturing engineering, operations research, statistics, or business from an accredited institution

OR

  • High School Diploma/GED from an accredited institution and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in logistics in lieu of the bachelor's degree education requirement

AND

  • Five (5) years of experience in network optimization within a distribution, supply chain, or logistics environment in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Five (5) years of experience in Supply Chain Network Optimization tools such as Llamasoft Supply Chain Guru, Optilogic, JDA Strategist or Gurobi and industrial engineering methodologies.
  • Three (3) years of experience proficiency level in ETL tool such as Alteryx or TableauPrep, and SQL, analytics and project management tools.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

  • Master's degree from an accredited institution
  • Distribution Automation technologies, labor management systems
  • Familiar with Lean Six Sigma and facility design tool (AutoCAD,)
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems and processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative engineering solutions to drive improvements
  • Communication and Leadership: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and influence decision-making. Strong leadership and teamwork abilities, with a proven track record of successfully managing cross-functional projects

Work location:

  • Dekalb, IL - onsite

OR

  • Maplewood, MN - On-site office 4 days a week

Travel: May include up to 25% domestic/international

Relocation Assistance: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $145,676 - $178,049, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/12/2026 To 06/11/2026 Or until filledAll US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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