Manufacturing Engineer Intern / Co-Op

Global cellulose fibers; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Cellulose Fibers seeks a Manufacturing Engineer Intern or Co-op to work with experienced teams in a world‑class pulp mill environment at multiple sites across the U.S. You will gain hands‑on experience in process optimization and reliability improvements.

You will support safety, quality, and cost‑effective operations while learning digital tools and analytics and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. Graduation is December 2027 or later.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related STEM field, with graduation Dec 2027 or later.
• Preferred majors include Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Paper Science Engineering.
• Other related disciplines may be considered, such as Industrial, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Control, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot process, equipment, and reliability issues in pulp mill operations.
• Analyze data to identify performance improvement opportunities.
• Assist with process monitoring, testing, and optimization.
• Gather samples and perform laboratory testing.
• Update procedures, documentation, and mill drawings.
• Contribute to Lean and Six Sigma improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineers, operators, maintenance, contractors, and mill leadership.
• Lead or contribute to value-added projects on safety, productivity, quality, reliability, or cost reduction.
• Learn and use digital tools and analytics to evaluate performance and communicate results.
• Support a strong safety culture by identifying hazards and following PPE practices.

Skills

Interest in manufacturing

Safety oriented

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Leadership experience

Time management

Adaptability

Quick learner

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Paper Science Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Engineering Technology

Instrumentation & Control

Instrumentation Engineering Technology

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Data analysis tools

Engineering software

Job description

Posted Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Manufacturing Engineer Intern / Co-Op

Pay Rate:

$24.00-$30.50 / hr., based on prior experience

About The Role:

As a Manufacturing Engineer Intern or Co-op, you will gain hands-on experience in a world-class manufacturing environment while working alongside experienced engineers, operators, maintenance technicians, and leaders. This role provides exposure to pulp mill operations, process optimization, reliability improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives. As a manufacturing engineer intern or co-op, you will hire directly into one of manufacturing facility locations: Columbus, MS; Franklin, VA; New Bern, NC; Riegelwood, NC; Port Wentworth, GA; Flint River, GA.

The responsibilities listed below are representative of the role but are not all-inclusive. Team members are expected to contribute wherever needed to support safety, operational excellence, quality, reliability, and cost-effective operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily pulp mill operations by helping troubleshoot process, equipment, and reliability issues.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational and process data to identify performance improvement opportunities.
• Assist with process monitoring, testing, and optimization efforts.
• Gather process samples and perform laboratory and chemical testing.
• Update operating procedures, work systems, process documentation, and mill drawings.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with engineers, operators, maintenance technicians, contractors, and mill leadership to solve complex technical challenges.
• Lead or contribute to value-added projects focused on safety, productivity, quality, reliability, sustainability, or cost reduction.
• Learn and utilize digital tools, data systems, and analytical software to evaluate performance and communicate results.
• Provide leadership in supporting a strong safety culture by identifying hazards, following safe work practices, wearing required PPE, and intervening when unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed.
• May coordinate work activities with contractors and other support resources.

About You:

Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM field, with an expected graduation date of December 2027 or later.
• Preferred majors include:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Paper Science Engineering
• Other relevant disciplines may also be considered, including:
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Engineering Technology
  • Instrumentation & Control
  • Instrumentation Engineering Technology
  • Other closely related technical fields

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, industrial operations, or engineering.
• Comfortable working in a heavy industrial environment that may include large equipment, elevated temperatures, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and safe work practices.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in a dynamic operating environment.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and a desire to take initiative.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills.
• Leadership experience through internships, work experience, academic projects, student organizations, athletics, military service, volunteer activities, or other extracurricular involvement.
• Eagerness to develop technical, professional, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively with operators, mechanics, electricians, engineers, contractors, and management.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, industrial, technical, laboratory, or engineering experience is a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, data analysis tools, or engineering software is beneficial.

High-performing interns and co-op students may be considered for future internship assignments or full-time engineering opportunities with Global Cellulose Fibers upon successful completion of their degree program.

About Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF):

Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our safe, high-quality pulp forms the basis for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, our specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in construction materials, paints, coatings and more. GCF generated $2.8B in revenue in 2024 and has 3,300 employees globally, with nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices. Additional information can be found by visiting globalcellulosefibers.com.

Why GCF:

Global Cellulose Fibers promotes employee well‑being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

Physical Location of Position:

As a manufacturing engineer intern or co-op, you will hire directly into one of manufacturing facility locations: Columbus, MS; Franklin, VA; New Bern, NC; Riegelwood, NC; Port Wentworth, GA; Flint River, GA.

Global Cellulose Fibers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Global Cellulose Fibers complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].