What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Engineer Co-op (Mechanical or Civil) position at Sappi?
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 June and 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:
After completing initial training, you will be paired with an engineer and begin contributing to active projects:
The pulp and paper industry offers exceptional hands‑on learning for Mechanical and Civil Engineering students. This co‑op provides:
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.
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.
- 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.
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
- 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
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.