Project Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2025 Start)

about our co-op program:

The fairlife Co-Op Program is designed to welcome undergraduate juniors or seniors at our Coopersville, MI production site to gain meaningful experience and professional development opportunities. For 5-7 months, Co-Ops will work full time with a production, packaging, continuous improvement, or other critical team within the plant. fairlife's paid Co-Op program also offers social, professional, and community engagement events including exposure to our senior leadership and executives across the business in small group settings, insight into company initiatives, off-site field trips, and for those qualified and selected, an opportunity to pursue a full-time job opportunity.

The fairlife 2025 Co-Op Program will start in Fall 2025 based at our Coopersville, MI production facility. Length of program will depend on project/team needs and student availability.

job purpose:The Co-Op Project Engineer will have collaborative ownership for the overall successful end-to-end project management in our Packaging and Processing departments. This role assists in the oversight of new Engineering initiatives or process/equipment improvement projects.

skills/qualifications required:

• Must be currently enrolled in a four-year undergraduate degree program
• Student must have completed a previous internship or Co-Op in a manufacturing environment previously to be considered
• Student entering the following fall semester as senior preferred
• Preferred focus on Engineering, Business, Industrial Design
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0, or higher
• Ability to spend majority of day on production floor
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.

learning objectives:

• Assists Engineering in determining scope and plan for projects
• Aid in development of plans for process systems while providing recommendations for enhanced performance of the facility
• Understand the process improvement objectives, pain points being addressed, and desired end start
• Learn to troubleshoot problems and develop root cause and corrective actions
• Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders as needed to complete projects
• Plan, direct, and coordinate activities concerning design, construction, modification and maintenance of the equipment and infrastructure/utilities and mechanical designs

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8-12 hours sitting/standing/walking
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs.
• Reaching/bending may be necessary in this role
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.)

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

co-op location:Coopersville, MI

schedule: On-Site Monday-Friday, will a set schedule (40 hours per week)

travel: 0-10%

reports to: Sr. Project Engineer