Process Engineer Co-Op or Intern (Pulp Mill)

About the role

Thilmany is seeking a motivated and hands‑on Process Engineer Intern or Co‑Op to join our manufacturing and engineering team in our pulp mill in 2027. This position provides an excellent opportunity for students pursuing an engineering degree to gain real‑world experience in a fast‑paced paper manufacturing environment. The selected candidate will work directly with process engineers, operations leaders, maintenance personnel, and production teams to support continuous improvement initiatives, analyze manufacturing processes, and contribute to projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Follow Ahlstrom’s manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures, and policies to meet safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Assist and/or lead safety, productivity, quality, efficiency, cost‑control, compliance, and housekeeping projects.
• Support process improvement projects focused on safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements.
• Assist with root‑cause investigations related to production, quality, equipment performance, or process variability.
• Participate in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and technical teams to implement process changes.
• Develop and update process documentation, standard operating procedures, and technical reports.
• Conduct field observations and collect production data to support engineering studies.
• Assist with capital project planning and execution as assigned.
• Present project findings and recommendations to plant leadership.

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
• Enrolled in a Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, 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 Suite, particularly Excel.
• 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.

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

Schedule

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

Benefits

• Housing stipend for qualified candidates relocating to the Kaukauna area.

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.

About the company

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, serving filtration and life sciences, food and consumer packaging, protective materials, and performance materials segments. In 2025, net sales amounted to EUR 2.9 billion, and we employ approximately 7,000 people worldwide.