Reliability Engineer Co-op

Sappi; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi is seeking a Reliability Engineer Intern/Co‑op in Minnesota to support predictive and preventive maintenance, analyze condition-monitoring data, and help drive reliability improvements in a large mill environment.

The role offers hands-on mentorship from experienced engineers, collaboration with operations and engineering teams, and exposure to RCFA, FMEA, and maintenance improvements. Start in January or June for 9–15 months, with summer options possible.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related Engineering field.
• Interest in equipment reliability and data-driven problem solving.
• Familiarity with condition-monitoring technologies (vibration, infrared, etc.).
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in both office and field environments; full-time 10–15 months preferred.
• Must have work authorization in the United States; Sappi does not provide sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Support predictive and preventative maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Collect and analyze data from vibration monitoring, lubrication routes, infrared thermography, ultrasound, and other condition-monitoring technologies.
• Trend equipment condition data to identify risks, troubleshoot issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in reliability improvement projects such as RCFA, FMEA, and work management enhancements.
• Partner with operations, engineering, procurement, and maintenance teams to gain exposure to cross-functional problem-solving.
• Support documentation, reporting, and updating reliability databases and KPIs.
• Shadow reliability engineers to learn best practices in inspection, diagnostics, and equipment health management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related Engineering field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Maintenance software

Job description

Join our team as a Reliability Engineer Intern/Co‑op and gain hands‑on experience supporting the performance, reliability, and longevity of mill assets. In this role, you’ll work alongside experienced reliability and maintenance professionals to support predictive and preventative maintenance programs using industry‑standard tools and technologies.

This opportunity is ideal for an engineering student who enjoys problem‑solving, learning how complex industrial systems operate, and contributing to reliability improvements in a dynamic, real‑world environment.

The successful candidate will likely start in January or June working full time M-F 8-hour days for a duration of 9-15 months.

Candidates with limited availability to 3-4 months (Summer intern) may also be considered.

What You’ll Do

• Support predictive and preventative maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing data from vibration monitoring, lubrication routes, infrared thermography, ultrasound, and other condition‑monitoring technologies.
• Help trend equipment condition data to identify risks, troubleshoot potential issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in reliability improvement projects such as Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and work management enhancements.
• Partner with operations, engineering, procurement, and maintenance teams to gain exposure to cross‑functional problem‑solving.
• Support documentation efforts, reporting, and updating reliability databases and KPIs.
• Shadow reliability engineers to learn best practices in inspection, diagnostics, and equipment health management.

What We’re Looking For

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related Engineering field.
• Strong interest in equipment reliability, industrial systems, maintenance engineering, or data‑driven problem‑solving.
• Exposure to or willingness to learn condition‑monitoring technologies (e.g., vibration analysis, lubrication, infrared thermography).
• Solid mechanical aptitude with the ability to connect data to physical equipment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Self‑motivated, curious, and comfortable working in both office and field environments.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; familiarity with data or maintenance software is a plus.
• The ability to work full‑time in this temporary role for approximately 10–15 months is strongly preferred. However, candidates who are only available for a three‑month summer assignment may also be considered.
• Work authorization in the United States is required. Sappi does not provide sponsorship.

What You’ll Gain

• Real‑world engineering experience in a large manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on exposure to predictive maintenance tools and reliability methodologies.
• Professional mentorship from experienced reliability engineers.
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that drive operational improvements.
• Development of technical, analytical, and leadership skills applicable to a future engineering career.

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.