Mechanical Engineer Co-Op or Intern

About the role

Thilmany is seeking a motivated and hands‑on Mechanical Engineering Intern or Co‑Op to join our engineering team in 2027. This position provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain real‑world experience within a manufacturing environment while working alongside experienced engineers on projects that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational performance. The intern/co‑op will participate in engineering projects ranging from equipment improvements and reliability initiatives to design support, troubleshooting, and capital project execution. The role is ideal for students who enjoy problem‑solving, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, and applying engineering principles in a dynamic industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Must follow Ahlstrom’s manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, as applicable, to the position’s areas of responsibility, in order to meet and maintain the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper.
• Support mechanical engineering and maintenance teams with equipment reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of equipment modifications and process improvements.
• Participate in troubleshooting efforts to identify and resolve mechanical equipment issues.
• Create and update engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Assist with planning and execution of capital and maintenance projects.
• Collect and analyze equipment performance data and recommend improvements.
• Conduct field observations and inspections to support engineering studies and project development.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, safety, and production personnel on project activities.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Participate in safety initiatives and ensure adherence to company safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other engineering‑related duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering or similar Engineering degree program.
• Minimum sophomore standing preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing setting and spending time on the production floor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization.

Pay

Pay Rate: $27.00 per hour.

Schedule

Intern or Co‑Op Schedule Options:

• January‑August 2027 (8‑Month Co‑Op)
• June‑December 2027 (7‑Month Co‑Op)
• June‑August 2027 (3‑Month Internship)

Benefits

• Housing stipend available for qualified candidates relocating to the Kaukauna area for the duration of the internship or co‑op assignment.

Why Thilmany?

At Thilmany, interns and co‑op students are treated as valued members of the team. You'll work on projects that impact mill performance, sustainability, safety, and reliability while gaining practical experience that will prepare you for a successful engineering career.

Application Information

Interested candidates should submit a resume and current academic information for consideration. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will not require current or future sponsorship for employment.

About Us

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.