Georgia-Pacific Process Engineering Co-Op - Big Island, VA (Spring 2027)

Georgia Pacific; Big Island (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia-Pacific's Big Island, Virginia Mill is seeking a Spring 2027 Process Engineering Co-Op/Intern to join a team supporting pulping, recycle, paper machine and utilities operations. You will help optimize processes, troubleshoot, assist with outages, and perform routine process testing under mentor guidance.

The Koch Intern Program offers weekly sessions to learn about Koch and Principle Based Management.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a college degree program in Pulp and Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering and in the 2nd year or higher.
• Eligible for full-time employment on or by 2029.
• Legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Understand safe work practices and lead safety by example.
• Work closely with area operations and management to identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs and minimize process variability.
• Support capital projects in the area to innovate technology.
• Increase operator knowledge of processes.
• Build relationships with operators and management to enable knowledge sharing.
• Perform routine testing of key process variables to ensure instrument accuracy.
• Make recommendations to facilitate continuous improvement.
• Manage chemical and process changes and/or trials.

Education

Pulp and Paper Science / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering - 2nd year

Job description

Your Job

Georgia-Pacific's Containerboard division is seeking qualified individuals to consider for their Spring 2027 Process Engineering Co-Op/Intern opportunity at the Big Island, Virginia Mill. The individual in this role will be part of a process engineering group and engineering department that is responsible for supporting the pulping, recycle, paper machine and utilities operating teams to optimize processes and maximize value creation. This includes working on process improvement initiatives, troubleshooting process upsets, supporting routine outages, and completing routine process testing. As a Coop/Intern you will be supported by a dedicated mentor in the process engineering group and gain real-world, hands‑on experience.

Alongside your day-to-day role, the Koch Intern Program offers an opportunity to learn more about Koch, our people, and Principle Based Management through weekly learning sessions. This 12-week program will allow you to experience Life at Koch, as you start your career and go anywhere within our network of companies.

Our Team

Georgia-Pacific Big Island is a fully integrated containerboard mill which employs approximately 300 employees and is located approximately 30 minutes North of Lynchburg, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mill has a strong track record of performance and continues to benefit from extensive capital investments.

What You Will Do

• Understand safe work practices and lead safety by example
• Work closely with area operations and management to find opportunities to improve productivity, minimize cost and reduce process variability in a team atmosphere
• Support capital projects in the area to innovate technology
• Increase operator knowledge of processes
• Continually build relationships with operators and management to enable knowledge sharing that may uncover the best alternative to a problem
• Perform routine testing of key process variables to ensure online process instrumentation accuracy
• Make appropriate recommendations to facilitate continuous improvement
• Manage chemical and process changes and/or trials

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Enrolled, and in at least the 2nd year, of a college degree program in Pulp and Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Eligible for full-time employment on or by 2029
• Legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship

For this role, we anticipate paying $27 to $30 an hour.

We believe that everyone should be an entrepreneur no matter what role they are in. As an intern, co-op, or full-time hire, there are countless opportunities for you to be challenged, have your voice heard, and gain real experience within our companies

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day -to make everyday products even better.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Koch-company full-time interns/co-ops are eligible for a comprehensive medical plan that comes with prescription drug coverage and expert resources including second opinions and surgery support as well as weight and diabetes management. We focus on making healthcare resources available through advanced apps, from the comfort of home. With enrollment in the medical plan you have access to a tax‑free savings opportunity for healthcare expenses (Health Savings Account).

You and all members of your household are automatically enrolled in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for professional mental health counseling, financial and legal consultations and concierge-level support for work-life balance like helping finding child, elder or pet care - at no cost to you.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).