Continuous Improvement/Research & Development Intern

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.

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.

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 customers and other employees.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to create and interpret graphs and charts. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with conflict resolution.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must work effectively with all levels of management and employees.

Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, presentation, and employee motivational skills.

Proficient in Internet navigation

JACK LINK’S CORE VALUES:

Company values: Be Real, Speed Matters, Stewardship, Relationship Driven, Self-Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

Additional Information:

The hiring range for this role is $22 to $24 per hour for a Bachelor's degree candidate and $30 per hour for a Master's degree candidate. Actual wages will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.