Industrial Engineer Co-Op (Escanaba, MI)

Job description

If you are looking for an impactful career opportunity with a growing global company who wants to challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future —look no further. Billerud is passionately committed to sustainability. You can feel good about the products we make because paper is sustainable at multiple levels. Paper is made from trees, one of earth’s most renewable resources harvested from sustainably managed forests, and it is highly recyclable and recycled.

At Billerud, you can reach your full potential—and help us reach ours. Come build a better future with us!

The goal of Billerud’s co-op program is to cultivate the development of potential future engineering and leadership resources for our organization while providing high-quality process support to the mill’s operations group(s).   Co-op assignments are structured to provide candidates with opportunities to grow and develop in their chosen discipline as well as educate them on various career paths within the organization. Although there is no guarantee of future employment, our goal is to have our Co-ops fully capable of stepping into a full-time engineering position within our organization by the end of the program.

Position Summary
The Industrial Engineering Co‑op will support manufacturing and supply chain operations by analyzing processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and assisting with the implementation of efficiency, quality, and cost‑reduction initiatives. This role provides hands‑on exposure to real‑world manufacturing challenges while working closely with experienced engineers, operations leaders, and cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

As an Industrial Engineering Co‑op, you will:

• Analyze and optimize production layouts, material flow, and operational processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Support the development and implementation of process improvements, standard work, and technology enhancements.
• Assist in developing and maintaining management information, planning, and control systems.
• Evaluate production schedules, work specifications, and customer orders to support productivity and service goals.
• Evaluate current rewinder equipment capacity, working with a team of operators and production supervision to identify options to increase throughput and implement improvements.
• Use analytical tools to develop metrics, measure process performance, and assess cost/benefit impacts of improvement initiatives.
• Participate in quality improvement efforts, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and reliability improvements.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to prepare material lists, equipment requirements, cost analyses, and production cost estimates.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and Lean initiatives, including participation on Kaizen or process improvement teams
• Support the development of training materials and standard operating procedures, and assist with on the job training as needed.
• Train employees on new or improved processes, contributing to change adoption and sustainability.
• Evaluate and validate the accuracy and capability of production and testing equipment.
• Study and improve organizational structures, workflow sequencing, and material handling systems.

Personal qualities

Learning Opportunities

This co‑op offers exposure to:

• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Data analysis, metrics development, and performance tracking
• Manufacturing and supply chain operations
• Cross‑functional teamwork in a fast‑paced production environment
• Change management and process standardization
   

Required Experience and Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related engineering field
• Minimum 2.75 GPA
• Must have completed three semesters of college education prior to Co-op start date
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
• Working knowledge of Excel or other data analysis tools preferred
• Desire to learn, take initiative, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts
• Must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States for other than practical training (Student work VISA does not qualify)
• Must be available to work May-December

Application information

Why This Co‑op

• Hands‑on experience with real operational impact
• Opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a manufacturing environment
• Mentorship from experienced engineering and operations professionals
• Exposure to full‑cycle process improvement projects
   

Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.