The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is seeking a junior or senior college student in an engineering
discipline to lead a project focused on water conservation and energy efficiency at the 3M Cottage Grove facility in the
southern twin cities metro area. The intern will work to reduce water use in ancillary equipment supporting a wet laid
manufacturing process, and also research and model steam use in priority buildings at the 3M facility using the
Department of Energy (DOE) Steam System Assessment Tool (SSAT).
As part of this project, you will be asked to complete the following tasks:
1. Identify, analyze, develop, and justify water conservation opportunities, operating procedures, and/or equipment
related to three priority ancillary processes associated with the wet laid manufacturing process. These focus
processes include the amount of water for vacuum pump temperature regulation, spray nozzle design and sizing
for cleaning, and review of production procedures surrounding cleanup, looking for opportunities to
recover/cleanup raw material via a dry process vs. a wet process.
2. Employ the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control process parameters of Six Sigma, or rigorous
equivalent, in the water conservation opportunities investigation.
3. As agreed upon, and as time permits, identify additional associated water conservation opportunities.
4. Input data to the Department of Energy's Steam System Assessment Tool (SSAT) for the identified largest steam
using buildings.
5. Identify the potential energy savings opportunities and model the outcomes using SSAT.
6. Overall, work competently and safely to reduce water used as part of the wet laid manufacturing process and
maximize steam use efficiency.
7. Summarize findings in a detailed report.
8. Present findings to the company and at MnTAP-hosted public presentation events.
As an intern, you will work at the company and report back to MnTAP. The position is full time, 40 hours per week, for
three months to start after the conclusion of spring semester or quarter. Pay is $13/hour, with a lump sum stipend of
$1,000 upon completion of the project deliverables: a final report and presentations. Cumulatively, this equates to
$15.00/hour when averaged over the project.
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Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Good oral & written communication skills
A technical academic background and
general knowledge about manufacturing
equipment and processes
Troubleshooting and computer skills, and
the ability to work with engineering
drawings
Appropriate majors: Engineering:
Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil
Apply online at
www.mntap.umn.edu/intern/student_apply.htm
Remember to submit your application form, cover
letter, resume, and unofficial transcript.
Applications can be addressed to:
Linda Maleitzke, Intern Coordinator
200 Oak Street SE, Suite 350
Minneapolis, MN 55455 • [email protected]
MnTAP is funded primarily by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Prevention and Assistance Division and is located at the University of
Minnesota in the School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences. The University’s mission, carried out on multiple campuses
and throughout the state, is threefold: research and discovery, teaching and learning, and outreach and public service.
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color,
creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression.