Fall 2026 Engineering Co-Op (Part-Time)

greif; Alsip (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Greif is seeking a part-time Engineering Co-Op at the Alsip Steel facility to gain hands-on experience in maintenance, reliability, and engineering initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will work on project planning, documentation, and continuous improvement while collaborating with experienced teams. This co-op requires pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in engineering and a commitment of 15 to 25 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Sophomore standing or above by Fall 2026.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Available to work 15 to 25 hours per week and commute to Alsip, IL.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance and engineering activities across focus areas.
• Assist with project planning, tracking, and execution.
• Organize and maintain drawings and documentation.
• Analyze equipment data to identify improvements.
• Contribute to reliability and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Engineering Technology

CAD software

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Data analysis

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Sophomore standing by Fall 2026

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries.

With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.

Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer , Sustainable Fiber , Durable Metal , and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.

OUR VISION:

To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win.

OUR PURPOSE:

Creating packaging solutions for life's essentials.

Job Requisition #: 035370 Fall 2026 Engineering Co-Op (Part-Time) (Open)

Job Description:

Ready to Ignite Your Career? At Greif, we offer students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world manufacturing and engineering challenges. As a global leader in industrial packaging, Greif is committed to innovation, sustainability, and creating an environment where every colleague's ideas are valued.

As a part-time Engineering Co-Op at our Alsip Steel facility, you will gain hands-on experience supporting maintenance, reliability, and engineering initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role provides exposure to project management, equipment reliability, documentation systems, and continuous improvement efforts while working alongside experienced maintenance and engineering professionals.

What You'll Gain

• Apply engineering concepts in a manufacturing setting
• Develop technical, analytical, and project management skills
• Gain exposure to maintenance and reliability engineering practices
• Build professional relationships with engineering and operations leaders
• Explore career opportunities within manufacturing and industrial operations
• Contribute to meaningful projects that support plant performance and safety

What You'll Do

As an Engineering Co-Op, you will support maintenance and engineering activities across several focus areas:

Engineering & Project Support

• Assist with small capital and continuous improvement projects
• Support machine upgrade initiatives and facility modernization efforts
• Participate in project planning, tracking, and execution
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams on assigned projects

Documentation & Asset Management

• Organize and maintain engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Document updates to electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic drawings
• Assist in developing and revising maintenance procedures and work instructions
• Support preventive maintenance (PM) and work order creation within maintenance systems

Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze equipment and maintenance data to identify improvement opportunities
• Assist with root cause corrective action (RCCA) investigations
• Participate in equipment troubleshooting activities under supervision
• Support reliability and continuous improvement initiatives

Technical Support & Testing

• Participate in supervised bench testing and offline projects
• Assist with light electrical and mechanical troubleshooting under direct supervision
• Support engineering evaluations and equipment assessments

  Additional Responsibilities

  • Attend professional development, networking, and learning events
  • Contribute to department goals and project deliverables
  • Perform other duties as assigned

  What You Will Not Be Doing

  • Perform work covered under the Alsip Steel collective bargaining agreement
  • Lead large capital projects independently
  • Perform electrical work on operating production equipment
  • Perform mechanical work on operating production equipment
  • Operate manufacturing machinery or production equipment

  Qualifications

  Required

  • Currently pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in: Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Engineering Technology or related field
  • Sophomore standing or above by Fall 2026
  • Good academic standing with your institution
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Available to work 15 to 25 hours per week during the academic year
  • Ability to commute to the Alsip, Illinois facility

  Preferred

  • Interest in manufacturing, maintenance, reliability, or industrial engineering
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
  • Familiarity with engineering drawings, CAD software, or technical documentation
  • Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing systems through coursework or projects

  What Sets You Apart

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
  • Curiosity and eagerness to learn in a manufacturing environment
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team
  • Strong organizational and time-mana