PM34 Process Engineer Co-op, Fall 2027

About the role

The Ahlstrom Stevens Point Mill’s Co‑op program is designed to develop future engineering and leadership talent while providing high‑quality process support to the mill’s operations groups. The Paper Machine Co‑op will assist the Production Team in achieving safety, quality, production, cost, and product development objectives for a paper machine process line. The program aims to prepare participants to step into a full‑time engineering position by the end of the assignment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate product improvement or cost‑optimization projects by conducting trials, developing trial plans, and authoring trial reports.
• Assist with machine shutdowns and start‑ups.
• Learn and provide technical support to process engineers and coordinators using Proficy, Centerlining, Optivision, and Aspentech software systems.
• Monitor, assess, analyze, and optimize process quality and conditions.
• Monitor, assess, and analyze process variability.
• Reduce environmental impact.
• Provide technical support for key departments.
• Apply problem‑solving and analytical skills to address operational challenges.
• Follow Ahlstrom’s manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures, and policies to meet safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper.
• Assist and/or lead safety, productivity, quality, efficiency, cost‑control, compliance, and housekeeping projects.
• Support the machine manager in leading a paper machine process line, including daily and long‑term activities.
• Support operations/maintenance efforts and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
• Enrolled in a Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a similar engineering degree program.
• Willing to live in or relocate to Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
• Availability from May/June – December 2027.
• Strong technical aptitude and proven problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization.

Pay

$27.00 per hour

Schedule

May/June – December 2027, full‑time co‑op position at the Stevens Point, Wisconsin plant.

Company Overview

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Its purpose is to “Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World.” The company serves Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, Protective Materials, and Performance Materials segments, delivering safe and sustainable solutions. In 2025, Ahlstrom reported net sales of EUR 2.9 billion and employed approximately 7,000 people worldwide.