Mechanical Engineer Co-Op

S&C Electric Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,039,000 - 85,962,000; Full time

Job summary

S&C Electric Company, a 100% employee-owned organization, is offering a Full-Time Fall 2026 Co-Op in the Polymer Products operations at the Chicago headquarters. The role focuses on tooling design, process improvement, and design engineering support, with on-site responsibilities in a collaborative, safety-conscious environment.

The selected student will return to school full-time after the work session and participate in problem solving, CAD design, and documentation tasks, earning $22–$30 per

Qualifications

• In-progress degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, returning to school full-time.
• Analytical, independent thinker with fresh ideas to improve processes.
• Able to work with people in a production/plant environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, Project, and Access.
• Basic reading of drawings; CAD or simulation software skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement of processes, tools, and manufactured products by participating in problem solving activities.
• Conduct experiments and write engineering test reports describing procedures, results, analyses, and conclusions.
• Create instruction bulletins for standard work practices regarding tooling/processes.
• Collaborate with design engineering to design new molds, fixtures, and tools.
• Design plant layouts or part/tool models using CAD software.
• Create documentation such as drawings and specifications for projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork in production environment

Reading drawings

Basic bookkeeping

Education

In-progress degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Project

MS Access

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

At S&C Electric Company, a 100% employee-owned company, we help keep the lights on for people and businesses worldwide. Our manufacturing roles build the equipment that protects the critical infrastructure of the power grid, and each of our team members lends their unique skills to this crucial mission. We empower our people by providing pathways to a long-term career and support them in their professional growth by sustaining a culture founded on respect, strengthened by collaboration, and measured by our shared successes. The manufacturing industry is booming with opportunities to learn new things, expand your skills, and build a long-term career.

Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow's energy challenges and become an employee-owner!

Available Shift:

1st shift: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Full-Time Fall 2026 Co-Op

At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated per hourly range for this position is $22 - 30 per hour based on experience.

Competitive Weekly Pay Period

The Polymer Products operations at S&C is a world leader for manufacturing medium voltage epoxy insulation products. The engineering team at Polymer Products supports the operations team to achieve the yield goals through process controls, mold designs, and trainings; seeks continuous improvement with manufacturing processes, mold designs, tools, and equipment through improvement and capital projects; addresses and resolves quality concerns observed with manufactured products through problem solving activities; and supports new product/process development through design, procurement, installation, and startup. The Co-Op considered for this position will work on-site at S&C Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois supporting the Polymer Products process and design engineering team and report to the Assistant Manager-Tool Design.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work closely with team members to support the continuous improvement of processes, tools/equipment, and manufactured products by participating in problem solving activities.
• Conduct experiments and write clear, concise engineering test reports describing the test procedures, results, analyses, and conclusions.
• Work closely with operations team to create instruction bulletins for standard work practices with regards to tooling/processes.
• Work closely with design engineering team to design new molds, fixtures, and tools.
• Design plant layouts or part/tool models using CAD software.
• Create documentations such as drawings and specifications relevant to projects.

To select this job as one of interest to you, at a minimum, you must have the following:

• In-progress degree program from an accredited university/college program with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering or a related major and returning to school full-time after the work session.
• Ability to think analytically, independently, and outside of the box to provide fresh ideas to improve processes
• Ability to work with people in a production/plant environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of PC using Word, Excel, Project, and Access.
• Basic bookkeeping skills and ability to read drawings.
• Some CAD or simulation software skills preferred.

MAJOR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing: Occasional standing on production floor for troubleshooting or equipment startup.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting of production parts and tooling less than 50 pounds.
• Walking: Frequent walking throughout the facility both indoors and outdoors.
• Carrying: Occasional carrying of light objects such as measuring equipment, prints, etc.
• Pushing: Infrequent pushing of objects, possibly related to production support, startup work.
• Pulling: Infrequent pulling of objects, possibly related to production support, startup work.
• Bending: Occasional bending during production support, startup work.
• Reaching: Infrequent reaching.
• Handling: Occasional handling of parts or tools.
• Other: Frequent use of personal computer, keyboard, monitor.

S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at [e-mail].