Engineering Co-Op 2026

Job Summary

The Engineering Co-Op is an entry level production / process engineering position which allows an engineering student, following their second year of formal studies, to gain hands-on experience in the manufacturing setting. A successful Co-Op Student candidate will work three full rotations (fourth optional), each at a different Avient operation associated with a different one of the Avient business segments. In some cases, for later rotations Co-op students may be provided (based on their interest and Avient need) with opportunities to complete one rotation in corporate functions (for example EHS or R&D). The specific assignments are geared to the needs of the plant during that time, as well as the interests of the Co-Op Student - but are developed with a view to developing leadership competencies and process engineering capabilities. Students will be provided with specific mentors on project activity and will receive coaching from senior manufacturing personnel. Orientation training is provided at the start of the 1st and 2nd work semesters and students will report out on their activity each semester to representatives of Avient's senior manufacturing management including EVP, Manufacturing and HR director(s). Networking opportunities within the Avient organization are a critical program component.

Essential Functions

• To support the vision, mission and guiding principles of the company.

• Observe all applicable Safety, Health, and Environmental rules and guidelines. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required.

• Adhere to appropriate company operating procedures, benefit rules, employment policies, and safety policies.

• Carry out process engineering related project activity - specific projects will be dependent on operation needs and student desired focus areas.

• Students will both work projects independently (with mentorship) and as part of functional teams at the operation. Examples of historical project activity include:

  • Operation productivity enhancement:

  • Rate improvement

  • Changeover reduction

  • Yield improvement - 1st pass quality improvement

  • Waste (lean) elimination

  • Equipment reliability related activity (downtime reduction)

  • Small capital project work (specification of requirements, capital request submission including ROI justification, oversight of install and commissioning)

  • Resolving EHS related issues

  • Resolving quality or customer complaint issues

  • Other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, Qualifications

• Pursuing bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

• 1+ years of experience preferred (can include strong internship experience)
  Some awareness of LSS and lean manufacturing will be considered an asset

Additional Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to travel.

• Must be able to read/comprehend written and oral instructions in English; read and comprehend safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals and product recipes/material identifications.

• Must have ability to reason and develop critical thinking skills

Physical Demands

• Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate a wide variety of small hand tools, scales, spatula, barrel cart, hand trucks, fork lift, utility knife, and mixer/blender machinery and computer equipment.

• Significant amounts of time on operations plant floor will require, extended periods of standing and walking. Operations can be hot environments.