Engineering - Internship

Sonoco; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Sonoco, a global packaging leader, offers a 12-week paid internship based in West Chicago, Illinois. Students gain hands-on experience across manufacturing, process engineering, quality and safety, with tours and leadership engagement.

The program provides business knowledge from Sonoco’s enterprise, networking with leaders, and activities with other interns and Emerging Leader associates. Housing and relocation assistance are included.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program with a focus in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering.
• Previous internship experience in Manufacturing or a related area is preferred.
• Proven leadership experience is expected.
• Technical aptitude is required for hands-on projects.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in hands-on projects alongside industry experts.
• Engage with Sonoco leadership and peers across functions.
• Receive on-the-job learning experiences and real-time feedback during the internship.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Technical aptitude

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Sonoco’s internship program immerses students in the manufacturing and packaging industries, providing a hands‑on experience that fosters both personal and professional growth. Available in approximately 25 U.S locations, Sonoco’s internship program will equip you with on‑the‑job learning experiences, plant tours, engagement with Sonoco leadership, and real‑time feedback and networking opportunities. Preparing you for your next career steps, a Sonoco internship provides opportunities to work alongside industry experts and peers in manufacturing, process engineering, quality, safety, commercial/sales, finance/accounting, supply chain management and other fields.

In a Sonoco Internship, You Can Expect

• 12 week paid internship: salary, monthly


• Hands‑on projects alongside industry experts


• Business knowledge from across Sonoco’s enterprise


• Valuable networking opportunities with business leaders


• Activities with other interns and Emerging Leader associates


• Housing and activity stipend provided


• Relocation assistance provided (mileage reimbursement and U‑Haul trailer)

This internship role will be a part of our Consumer Packaging America Division, located in West Chicago, Illinois.

To become an intern with Sonoco, here are a few things we’re looking for:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program with a concentration in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering.


• Previous internship experience (preferably in Manufacturing or functional area)


• Proven leadership experience


• Technical aptitude


• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

Compensation

Monthly base salary for Undergraduate Business/Non-Technical Degrees:

• Senior $4,350


• Junior $4,100


• Sophomore $3,900


• Freshman $3,700

Monthly Base Salary For Undergraduate Engineering/Technical Degrees

• Senior $4,800


• Junior $4,600


• Sophomore $4,300


• Freshman $4,100

Monthly Base Salary For Graduate Degree Business/Non-Technical

• Senior $5,100

Monthly Base Salary For Graduate Degree Engineering/Technical

• Senior $5,700

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options


• 401(k) retirement plan with company match


• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services


• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family


• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance


• Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.