Mechanical Co-Op or Intern

Ahlstrom-5; Kaukauna (WI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Job summary

Ahlstrom's Thilmany Plant in Kaukauna, WI, is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern or Co-Op for 2027. You will work with the engineering team on equipment improvements, reliability initiatives, and capital project support in a manufacturing setting.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and applying engineering principles on real projects. Pay is $27.00 per hour with a housing stipend for relocating candidates.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in Mechanical Engineering or similar degree program.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Follow manufacturing and safety processes to meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Support engineering and maintenance teams with reliability initiatives.
• Assist in designing, developing, and implementing equipment modifications and process improvements.
• Participate in troubleshooting to resolve mechanical equipment issues.
• Create and update engineering drawings, specs, and documentation.
• Assist with planning and execution of capital and maintenance projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Manufacturing environment

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree program (enrolled)

Sophomore standing preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Career Opportunities: Mechanical Co-Op or Intern (5816)

Requisition ID5816-Posted09/17/2026-Protective Materials-Technical Materials BU-Thilmany Plant-Kaukauna- Posting Country (1)

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people,like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth. Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere! We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us?!?

Thilmany is seeking a motivated and hands-on Mechanical Engineering Intern or Co-Op to join our engineering team in 2027. This position provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain real-world experience within a manufacturing environment while working alongside experienced engineers on projects that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational performance.

The Mechanical Engineering Intern/Co-Op will participate in engineering projects ranging from equipment improvements and reliability initiatives to design support, troubleshooting, and capital project execution. This role is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and applying engineering principles in a dynamic industrial setting.

Pay Rate

• $27.00 per hour
• Housing stipend available for qualified candidates relocating to the Kaukauna area for the duration of the internship or co-op assignment.

Intern or Co-Op Schedule Options:

• January-August 2027 (8-Month Co-Op)
• June-December 2027 (7-Month Co-Op)
• June-August 2027 (3 Month Internship)

Requirements

• Enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering or similar Engineering degree program
• Minimum sophomore standing preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing setting and spending time on the production floor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization

Responsibilities

• Must follow Ahlstrom's manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, as applicable, to the position’s areas of responsibility, in order to meet and maintain the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper
• Support mechanical engineering and maintenance teams with equipment reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of equipment modifications and process improvements.
• Participate in troubleshooting efforts to identify and resolve mechanical equipment issues.
• Create and update engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Assist with planning and execution of capital and maintenance projects.
• Collect and analyze equipment performance data and recommend improvements.
• Conduct field observations and inspections to support engineering studies and project development.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, safety, and production personnel on project activities.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Participate in safety initiatives and ensure adherence to company safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other engineering-related duties and special projects as assigned.

Why Thilmany?

At Thilmany, interns and co-op students are treated as valued members of the team. You'll work on projects that impact mill performance, sustainability, safety, and reliability while gaining practical experience that will prepare you for a successful engineering career.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will not require current or future sponsorship for employment.

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

About Us.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.