Project Engineer Co-op (Mechanical or Civil)

Sappi; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi North America – Cloquet mill in Minnesota seeks a Mechanical or Civil Engineering student for a full-time Co-op beginning January or June. This nine-month, paid opportunity offers hands-on experience in a world-class manufacturing environment and exposure to mill operations and engineering projects.

Under the Lead Project Engineer, you will learn CAD drawings, document management, and safety training.

Qualifications

• Completion of at least two years in an accredited engineering program.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic proficiency in CAD and documentation management.

Responsibilities

• Learn CAD layout and drawings for mechanical, structural, civil engineering design.
• Assist with document management and safety training processes.
• Support planning and implementation of projects to improve production efficiency.
• Assist engineers with cross-department tasks and presentations.
• Gain exposure to engineering activities in a major manufacturing facility.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Creative documentation

Education

Two years in accredited engineering program

GPA 3.0 or higher

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

Microsoft Access

Project

FrontPage

Visual Basic

Job description

Project Engineer Co-op (Mechanical or Civil)

Country: United States

City: Cloquet

Location: Mill Cloquet

Pay Range: $26 - $29

Sappi North America
Sappi Cloquet, established in 1898, produces high-quality graphic papers used in premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high‑end print advertising for the fashion, automotive and travel industries, as well as speciality papers. Cloquet manufactures Verve, a dissolving pulp used for the textile and home goods markets. Energy saving and clean water initiatives at Cloquet have won environmental recognition, aligning with the mill's commitment to sustainability.

Sappi Cloquet Operations is seeking an energetic, self‑motivated Mechanical or Civil Engineering student to join our Engineering Department as a full‑time Co‑op. This nine‑month paid opportunity begins in January or Juneand offers hands‑on experience in a world‑class manufacturing environment.

Initial Training & Early Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Lead Project Engineer, you will learn core engineering support functions, including:

Computer‑Aided Drafting (CAD) — Create layout and detailed drawings for mechanical, structural, civil, and general engineering design.

Document Management Support — Assist with distribution, filing, and maintenance of engineering drawings and related documents.

Completion of all required company safety training.

After completing initial training, you will be paired with an engineer and begin contributing to active projects:

Assist with planning and implementing projects that improve production efficiency.

Support engineers and other departments with special projects, presentations, and technical tasks.

Gain exposure to a wide range of engineering activities across a major integrated pulp and paper facility.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required.

Experience with Microsoft Access, Project, FrontPage, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, or Visual Basic is desirable.

Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with others.

Solid organization, planning, and coordination abilities.

Creativity in developing new ways to present engineering documentation (drawings, images, text, and combined formats).

Must have a valid driver’s license with a demonstrated safe driving record.

Why This Co‑op Matters

The pulp and paper industry offers exceptional hands‑on learning for Mechanical and Civil Engineering students. This co‑op provides:

Real‑world engineering experience in a complex manufacturing environment

Opportunities to contribute meaningfully to Sappi’s operational goals

Exposure to engineering design, project management, and mill operations

A chance to build technical skills that translate directly into future engineering roles

Entry Requirements

Completion of at least two years in an accredited engineering program

GPA of 3.0 or higher

Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship -Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.