Chemical Engineer Co-Op

Chemical Engineering Co-Op, Paper Mill Division

Location Wapakoneta, OH

Duration: January through August

Division: Paper Mill

Summary: Make a Direct Impact

Join our Paper Mill Division in Wapakoneta for a dynamic co-op experience focused on continuous improvement and product quality. This role is designed to immerse you in our complex manufacturing processes, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge directly to real-world challenges.

You will contribute to product development and quality assurance through rigorous testing and insightful data analysis. The ultimate goal is to leverage your chemical engineering knowledge to identify and implement process enhancements that improve both efficiency and the end product. You will be paired with a dedicated local champion who will provide mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the entire program.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities

This co-op offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced industrial environment where safety is the top priority.

Process Optimization: Continuously assess product quality metrics and operational efficiencies to identify areas for improvement.

Problem Resolution: Collaborate with process, maintenance, and plant engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex operating problems.

Data Analysis: Conduct statistical studies and quickly analyze operational data to support objective decision-making and process review.

Documentation & Compliance: Update and maintain critical Process Safety Information (PSI), including P&ID's, PFD's, and Safe Operating Limit Documentation (SOL's).

Procedure Development: Assist in writing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training manuals.

Engineering Support: Provide essential engineering support to various departments as required.

Project Presentation: Deliver periodic updates and a final comprehensive presentation to the department, summarizing key learnings and project outcomes.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a degree program related to Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Paper Science .

Skills: Demonstrated ability to be self-reliant, self-directed, and committed to project execution. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Travel & Event Participation: Occasional travel to other mill locations as required. Ability to travel to Georgia in August for the Intern Summit. All business travel expenses (travel, lodging, and meals) are fully company-paid.

Mindset: A strong spirit of curiosity and a proactive willingness to learn, grow, and influence others in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment is a plus.

Workplace Environment & Requirements

Mathematical/Reasoning: Ability to understand and utilize algebraic formulas and simple conversions, along with the capacity to apply common sense to execute written, oral, or graphic instructions in standardized situations.

Work Environment: Role takes place in a manufacturing setting, requiring attention to safety protocols due to exposure to moving mechanical parts, loud noises, chemicals, electrical currents, and extreme temperatures.

Physical Requirements: The ability to perform tasks that may involve climbing, standing, walking, reaching, and occasionally lifting in excess of 50 pounds (heavy lifting).

Performance will be measured based on the established goals and successful project deliverables outlined in the co-op program overview.

Pratt Industries operates some of the most modern and efficient recycled paper mills in America. In fact, six of the last eight paper mills in the U.S. were built by Pratt. Using the paper recovered by our Recycling Division, all of our paper mills produce 100% recycled containerboard. These mills support our network of box-making facilities throughout the country.

As a paper mill employee, you will be a part of a team that turns recovered materials into new paper fueling our integrated supply chain.