Join our Optimized Operations Program for an experience beyond the mainstream within engineering and supply chain analysis. Optimized Operations (O2) has a tremendous brand following within 3M and has been in existence since the mid-1980s. 02 is a one-year program to develop world-class talent for 3M manufacturing plants. O2 employees (O2s) receive advanced training in Lean, Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis at one of 3M’s many manufacturing plants or distribution centers across the United States.
What O2s Do
O2s develop skills in many areas for immediate contribution to 3M. During training, they lead Lean and Six Sigma projects in manufacturing plants or distribution centers. O2s are involved in Cost of Poor Quality (yield loss or rate loss on constrained resources) projects to develop statistical analysis (Design of Experiments, Multi-Vari, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and problem solving skills. O2s use the Six Sigma methodologies and are trained as DMAIC Green Belts. In addition, O2s 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.
Opportunities
O2s are recruited for specific plant needs for degree and start date. While leading at least two major projects during their training year, membership on multiple project teams at any given time provides broad exposure.
Job offers for the O2 Program include the location of the one-year O2 assignment. The O2 begins work at the plant for orientation and after a few weeks, travels 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 year of development.
O2s build a tremendous network with peers in the program and O2 alumni that can last throughout their career.
Career Path: O2s are typically hired for one of two start dates a year; these start dates correspond with December and June graduations. An O2 completes their assignment at one plant location with the goal of full-time employment at that plant at the end of the developmental year. 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 Director.
Education & Experience
Candidates are selected from a diverse student population with undergraduate and graduate degrees in chemical, mechanical, industrial, and quality engineering, supply chain, operations, manufacturing sciences and safety-related programs. We particularly seek candidates who have had prior manufacturing internships or co-op experiences.
3M US Plant and Warehouse Locations
