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Engineering Co-op

Sonoco · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What draws you to a co-op in manufacturing and packaging rather than another industry?

What they are checking: Whether they have real interest in plant work, which predicts how engaged they will be on the floor.

Tell me about a class or team project where you solved a real problem. What was your part?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain their own contribution clearly and show how they approach problems.

Tell me about a time you had to learn from someone with a lot more hands-on experience than you.

What they are checking: Whether they respect operators and mechanics and learn from them, which earns trust on the floor.

Tell me about feedback you got that changed how you worked.

What they are checking: Whether they welcome the real-time feedback the program offers and actually act on it.

What would you do

Your co-op is 12 weeks. How would you make sure you finish a project that actually helps the plant?

What they are checking: Whether they can scope work realistically and drive it to a result in a short time.

How do you present your findings to someone like a plant manager who has little time?

What they are checking: Whether they can get to the point and lead with the recommendation, which matters with leadership.

You find that a project you were given was based on a wrong assumption. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they raise the problem early with their mentor rather than quietly delivering something useless.

About the work

If you were asked to reduce scrap on a production line, where would you start?

What they are checking: Whether they think to gather data, observe the process and find root causes before proposing fixes.

What safety habits would you bring to working on a plant floor for the first time?

What they are checking: Whether they take PPE, lockout and following plant rules seriously from the start.

Which tools are you comfortable with, like CAD, Excel or a programming language?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical skills they can apply to engineering projects right away.

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The full job description

As published by Sonoco.

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’s Co-op program immerses students in the manufacturing and packaging industries, providing a hands-on experience that fosters both personal and professional growth. Available in approximately 25 U.S locations, Sonoco’s Co-op program will equip you with on-the-job learning experiences, plant tours, engagement with Sonoco leadership, and real-time feedback and networking opportunities. Preparing you for your next career steps, a Sonoco Co-op provides opportunities to work alongside industry experts and peers in manufacturing, process engineering, quality, safety, commercial/sales, finance/accounting, supply chain management and other fields. In a Sonoco Co-op, you can expect: • 12 week paid co-op: salary, monthly • Hands-on projects alongside industry experts • Business knowledge from across Sonoco’s enterprise • Valuable networking opportunities with business leaders • Activities with other Co-ops, Interns and Emerging Leader associates • Housing and activity stipend provided • Relocation assistance provided (mileage reimbursement and U-Haul trailer) This Co-op role will be a part of our Consumer Packaging Division located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To become an Co-op with Sonoco, here are a few things we’re looking for: • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or master's degree program with a concentration in Electrical Engineer or Information Systems Engineer. • Previous Co-op experience (preferably in Manufacturing or functional area) • Proven leadership experience • Technical aptitude • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills 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.

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