Engineering Co-Op – 2024

Job Summary
The Co-Op Student 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 PolyOnes 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 and Experience
Pursuing Bachelors 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
Competencies
Each position at Avient focuses on eight Core Competencies as a Leader of Self. Additionally, management positions focus on Leadership Competencies as a Leader of Others and/or a Leader of the Business. These competencies are designed to drive behavior that will ultimately help our associates excel at their current roles, while supporting individual and career development.
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.
Environmental, Health, Safety, & Security