Our Optimized Operations (O2) Program offers an experience beyond the
mainstream within engineering, environmental, health and safety, and supply
chain analysis. In existence since the mid-1980s, O2 continues to evolve to
meet the changing business needs and helps develop world-class talent for 3M
manufacturing and supply chain organizations.
O2 employees are in the program for approximately 12-18 months during which
they receive advanced training in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and statistical
analysis. They directly apply their training to projects which they lead at one
of 3M's many manufacturing plants, development facilities, or distribution
centers across the United States.
To apply for an O2 position, visit our recruiters at one of our recruiting
events. See our calendar of events.
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Why O2
What O2s Do
Career Paths
Education & Experience
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Identifying and building a strong talent pool to meet 3M’s current and
future business needs is a critical objective for 3M.
The O2 Program identifies, hires and develops world-class talent for 3M U.S.
manufacturing and supply chain facilities in these areas:
- Process and product engineering
- Quality
- Supply chain analysis, and
- Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)
We also develop individuals ready to work on challenging Lean and Cost of
Poor Quality (COPQ) projects using DMAIC and Product and Process Understanding
(PPU) tools.
Upon completion of the program, it is our intention that O2s to be placed in
3M manufacturing positions for at least three to five years to ground their 3M
careers on solid footing. The O2 Program is flexible, effective, provides a
positive ROI and is an investment in 3M’s future.
View our 3M U.S. Plant & Warehouse Locations
O2s are recruited for specific requests from our manufacturing and supply chain organizations based on degree and start date. They lead at least two major projects during their time in the program, and their membership on multiple project teams at any given time gives them broad exposure.
O2s begin work at their assigned facility for orientation and, after a few weeks or so, travel to 3M Center in St. Paul, Minn., to begin their classroom training. They are provided three two-week training trips to St. Paul during their assignment in this development program.
O2s also lead Lean Six Sigma projects in their assigned location and are involved in a variety of projects to develop statistical analysis (Design of Experiments, Multi-Vari, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and problem solving skills. O2s use Lean Six Sigma methodologies and are trained Green Belts. In addition, they are trained in supply chain principles, project management, leadership, interpersonal and facilitation skills. These skills contribute to an individual's growth as well as value for our customers.
O2s build a tremendous network with peers while in the program. Relationships with peer O2s can last throughout their career.
O2s may be hired for one of two start dates per year which correspond with
December and June graduations. O2s complete their assignments at one location
with the goal of full-time employment at that facility upon their completion of
the program. O2 engineers and analysts benefit from the unique experience of
working closely with experienced colleagues on projects critical to the future
success of 3M. O2 alumni are currently filling roles in a wide variety of 3M
positions, including Plant Manager and Manufacturing or Supply Chain Director.
Candidates are selected from a diverse student population with such
undergraduate and graduate degrees as chemical, mechanical, industrial and
quality engineering, supply chain, operations, manufacturing sciences and
safety-related programs.
We particularly seek candidates who have had prior manufacturing-related
internships or co-op experiences.
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