Manufacturing Process Engineering Co-op

Appvion, Inc.; Appleton, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 13,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Fitness center access

Shoes voucher

Job summary

Appvion, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineering Co-Op in Appleton, WI to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with advanced machinery.

You will work closely with a senior engineer mentor and own meaningful projects impacting plant operations and process improvements. Through this role you will contribute to safety, problem solving, and cross-functional initiatives while potentially advancing toward full-time opportunities after graduation; co-ops receive housing

Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate engineering student with 2+ years of study in a relevant field.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to apply engineering principles to manufacturing problems.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with safety-related concerns and follow manufacturing safety policies and procedures.
• Respond to operational upsets, including machine downtime or quality issues, requiring investigation.
• Collaborate with plant personnel to maintain smooth operations across shifts.
• Coordinate with Marketing and R&D on cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Prepare and summarize accurate run reports across unit operations.

Skills

Curiosity

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Adaptability

Engineering problem solving

Education

Undergraduate engineering student (2+ years)

Job description

As a Process Engineering Co-Op at Appvion, you will gain hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, working with advanced machinery and dedicated professionals to deliver world‑class direct thermal paper and film products to a global customer base. You’ll be paired with a senior engineer mentor and have the opportunity to own meaningful projects while contributing to plant operations, process improvements, and problem‑solving initiatives. Exceptional co‑ops may be considered for full‑time employment upon graduation.

Job Snapshot

• Position Type: Temporary, Part Time
• Location: Appleton, WI
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday during normal business hours (occasional nights/weekends as needed)

What You'll Be Doing

• Assist with safety‑related concerns and follow all manufacturing safety policies and procedures
• Respond to operational upsets, including machine downtime, off‑quality material, or field complaints requiring investigation
• Collaborate with hourly and salaried personnel in the plant to maintain smooth operations
• Work with other departments, such as Marketing and R&D, on business initiatives and cross‑functional projects
• Prepare and summarize accurate run reports across different unit operations

What You'll Bring

• At least 2 years of undergraduate experience in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Bio‑Based Products Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with relevant experience
• Strong curiosity, self‑motivation, and attention to critical details
• Ability to apply engineering principles to solve manufacturing problems and improve processes
• Safe work habits around heavy equipment and powered industrial vehicles
• Adaptability to a dynamic environment with rapid developments
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively across plant and company teams

Who Is Appvion?

We are the North American leader in specialty and high‑performance coatings for thermal label and film applications.

Founded in 1907, Appvion innovates sustainable specialty coating solutions that are a part of many tickets, tags, labels, and packages consumers touch daily. Our solutions leverage a unique blend of proprietary processes and technical expertise to provide crisp imaging, which ensures reliable barcode scannability and consistent image quality for pressure‑sensitive and non‑pressure‑sensitive applications. Appvion brands include Resiste®, Alpha®, PolyTherm®, Royale®, and OPTIMA®.

What We Offer You

• Co‑Ops are eligible for the following benefits:
• Housing stipend of $500 / month.
• Complimentary access to our 24/7, onsite fitness center.
• $150 voucher toward the purchase of steel‑toe shoes upon acceptance of employment.

Appvion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact human resources at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.