Electrical Engineering Co-Op 

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Sonoco is a $5 billion global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and packaging supply chain services. Sonoco has over 23,000 talented associates operating in over 300 operations across 36 countries. In January 2020, Sonoco was selected to FORTUNE magazines Worlds Most Admired Companies. For the third year in a row, the Company also was listed first in the Packaging/Container industry.

We are looking for energetic, motivated, sharp, creative, and most importantly, engaged, engineering students that want to make an impact on our operation. Our Engineering Co-Ops will have the opportunity to lead and participate in significant impact projects. They will be involved in every step from concept through installation & startup.

The Machinery Manufacturing division of Sonoco, located in Hartsville, SC designs and builds the proprietary equipment used in our Global Sonoco plants to produce packaging for common products such as Pringles, Doritos, Cheetos, Pillsbury biscuits, Enfamil baby formula, and many more. Our group is responsible for designing, building, testing, and supporting new equipment from concept through continuous improvement after startup. We have a full-service fabrication shop, machine shop, and a world class assembly center that includes a recent $12MM building expansion.

Our Controls and Automation team is responsible for designing and building the controls and automation solutions that are used to operate the machines we build. The Electrical Engineering Co-Op will be part of this growing team and will be exposed to and gain experience with state-of-the-art technology including robotic cells, custom automation cells, and custom vision applications.

Electrical Engineering Students seeking three Rotating Co-Op Sessions will be considered.

- Additional Professional Development:
- Design electrical control systems using EPlan
- Program Allen Bradley PLCs using Studio 5000
- Research and Develop new concepts and manufacturing techniques
- Develop strong professional relationships with both operational and technical team members through teamwork & collaboration
- Develop project management and time management skills.
- Critical thinking, collaborative brainstorming and problem-solving
- Hands-on experience in a working manufacturing plant
- Exposure to LEAN Manufacturing principles
- Opportunity to identify and lead Continuous Improvement projects
- Build and demonstrate communication skills to different levels of management
- Further career goals and/or explore different career paths available within Manufacturing Operations
- Leadership
- Immersion in IEC, ISO, and ANSI standards related to Functional Machine Safety
- Position Requirements
- Co-Op student must be enrolled in an accredited four year engineering program studying Electrical Engineering. Studying in the area of Controls and Automation preferred.
- Student must be in good academic standings and must maintain the university’s minimum GPA requirement to remain in the Co-Op program.
- Work ethic/attitude to fit with Sonoco's 4 Key Culture Elements: Attendance, Safety, Quality & Teamwork/Collaboration
- Curiosity and drive for learning new tools for critical thinking and problem solving
- Proficiency with MS Office programs and other products for creating documentation, spreadsheets, presentations etc.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Must submit an up-to-date resume. Letters of recommendation appreciated, but not required.
- Ability to pass drug screen and background check per Sonoco HR requirements
- Safe and Reliable transportation.

Compensation:

Monthly base salary for Undergraduate Business/Non-Technical Degrees:

- Senior $4,350
- Junior $4,100
- Sophomore $3,900
- Freshman $3,700

Monthly base salary for Undergraduate Engineering/Technical Degrees:

- Senior $4,800
- Junior $4,600
- Sophomore $4,300
- Freshman $4,100

Monthly base salary for Graduate Degree Business/Non-Technical:

- Senior $5,100

Monthly base salary for Graduate Degree Engineering/Technical:

Senior $5,700

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
- Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
- Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
- Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.