MECHANICAL ENG. CO-OP - FALL 2026 (VALDOSTA MILL)

About the role

The Mechanical Engineering Co-op position at PCA's Valdosta, GA Paper Mill is designed for students currently enrolled in Mechanical or equivalent Engineering programs. The co-op will provide process optimization and engineering support, including compliance process coordination, lean projects, quality and product safety, and analytical and systems support.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains methods for tracking and reducing operational costs.
• Cookes the efforts of our outside resources to improve our operation by filtering and utilizing appropriate information.
• Conducts data analysis projects and uses data to make business decisions.
• Assignments may include some work at higher levels for training and development purposes.

Requirements

• Must be a student in good standing with the University, currently enrolled majoring in Mechanical or equivalent applicable Engineering program.
• The student will have either completed the Freshman year or will have completed the Freshman year when co-op begins and express interest in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing as a career.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required.
• You must pass a drug screen.
• You must be eligible to work in the US full-time.

Qualifications

• Ability to be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and computer skills.
• Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving, ambiguity, and change.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
• Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.

Skills

• Knowledge of pulp & paper making, waste-water treatment, and recovery operations.
• Interest/aptitude in controls.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary Range: $30.00/hr for seniors, $29.00/hr for juniors, $27.00/hr for sophomores, $25.00/hr for freshmen.
• Seniors receive a $1000.00 monthly housing stipend.
• 1.5 pay over 40 hours in a week.
• Reasonable reimbursement of Relocation to and from the co-op assignment.
• Medical Insurance if eligible.
• 401k with company matching.
• Retail Savings Plan.
• Educational Assistance Program.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays.
• Vacation Time.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit Careers.packagingcorp.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.