Project Engineering Co-op

Novonesis; Franklinton (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis in Franklinton, NC seeks a Project Engineering Co-op to support a major capital project from engineering through construction. You’ll work with project managers, engineers, contractors, vendors, and site stakeholders in a manufacturing environment.

This paid Jan 2027–Aug 2027 internship offers hands-on ownership of defined activities, exposure to 3D models, P&ID reviews, equipment procurement, and field coordination on brownfield and greenfield work.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize work and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to work in both an office and active project/construction areas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Sophomore standing or higher at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Assist in 3D model reviews and P&ID redlines, tracking design changes.
• Support equipment documentation, specifications, and procurement activities.
• Participate in construction coordination meetings and field activities.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and action item tracking.
• Promote site safety through meetings and field walks.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Excel

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field

Sophomore standing or higher

Tools

P&ID

3D models

Navisworks Freedom

Bluebeam

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?Ready to turn what you’re learning in engineering school into hands-on experience on a major capital project?Join our Project Engineering team in Franklinton, North Carolina, and work alongside project managers, engineers, contractors, vendors, and site stakeholders in an active manufacturing environment. You’ll gain firsthand exposure to how engineering and design decisions move through procurement and construction and ultimately come to life in the field.This co-op is designed for a student who wants more than an observational experience. You’ll have opportunities to take ownership of defined activities, solve real project challenges, and contribute to both brownfield and greenfield project work.As a Project Engineering Co-op, you’ll support the execution of a large, critical capital project while developing practical experience across engineering, equipment procurement, construction, safety, and project coordination.Key Responsibilities Include:Support engineering and design coordination by participating in 3D model reviews, reviewing P&ID redlines and equipment documentation, tracking design changes, and helping resolve open engineering questions.Contribute to equipment and procurement activities by maintaining engineering records, supporting equipment specifications and procurement, identifying missing information, and coordinating technical actions with vendors and project teams.Gain hands-on construction experience by supporting active field activities, participating in construction coordination meetings, and gaining exposure to equipment installation, demolition, crane lifts, and other project activities.Help keep projects moving by managing RFIs and submittals, tracking open action items, following up with stakeholders, and supporting coordination across engineering, operations, contractors, vendors, and other partners.Build practical safety experience by participating in project safety meetings and field safety walks while learning how projects are executed safely within an operating manufacturing facility.Take ownership of meaningful project work , giving you the opportunity to solve problems, build relationships with project stakeholders, and see how engineering decisions translate into construction in the field.What You'll Need to Be SuccessfulCurrently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering disciplineStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to organize your work and follow through on multiple prioritiesWillingness to work in both an office environment and active project/construction areasInitiative and a willingness to take ownership of assigned workAbility to collaborate effectively with engineers, contractors, vendors, and manufacturing stakeholdersRequired Qualifications and CompetenciesMinimum 3.0 GPA.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Interest in engineering project management, manufacturing operations, and continuous improvement.Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Strong communication and collaboration skills.Ability to work independently while contributing to team objectives.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.Sophomore standing or higher at the time of application.Ability to arrange your own housing and transportation.Additional Skills & Interests We ValueIt would be a plus if you:Are currently in your junior or senior yearHave previous internship, co-op, manufacturing, construction, or engineering project experienceHave familiarity with P&IDs, equipment specifications, 3D models, or other engineering drawingsHave experience with ACC, Bluebeam, or Navisworks FreedomAre interested in capital project execution, manufacturing, or project managementHave strong Excel and general Microsoft Office skillsWhat We OfferThis co-op provides the opportunity to build practical engineering skills while contributing to real project work. You’ll work directly with experienced project stakeholders and see projects evolve from engineering and design through procurement and construction.Along the way, you’ll develop experience in areas including capital project execution, project management fundamentals, engineering documentation, equipment procurement, construction and field coordination, contractor and vendor collaboration, manufacturing-site safety, and cross-functional problem solving.Ways of Working / Working ConditionsFull-time internship assignment lasting January 2027 through August 2027.Located on-site in Franklinton, NC.Exposure to manufacturing operations, construction projects, and industrial infrastructure systems.Occasional use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering production areas.Compensation & BenefitsExpected salary: $23/hrRelevant InformationProgram Dates: January 2027 to August 2027 (potentially January through May)Position Type: Temporary position payrolled through a third-party providerApplication Deadline: November 16, 2026Our purpose guides the wayIn Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.Opportunities for everyoneWe are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.Explore other openingsIf this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/CareerWork Location: In person