Project Engineer Co-op (Mechanical or Civil)

Project Engineer Co-op (Mechanical or Civil)

Country: United States

City: Cloquet

State: Minnesota

Location: Mill Cloquet

Division: Learners & Graduates

Posting date: Sep 29, 2026

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 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:

• 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.

Engineering Responsibilities

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

Safety-Sensitive Position

This is a safety-sensitive position within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job while working in operational areas that contain magnetic and electromagnetic field exposure, moving equipment, vehicular traffic, elevated work areas, and other industrial hazards.

As a safety-sensitive employer, Sappi maintains a drug-free workplace. Successful candidates for safety-sensitive positions must pass all required pre-employment screenings and drug testing, which includes testing for marijuana/cannabis.

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 is a 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.

HR Contact for Questions:

Name: Danna Dahn

Email: [email protected]

Telephone number: 218-879-2393