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Co Op Engineering Student Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Our co-op program offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working on real ... Design Engineering: Work closely with Engineers, Drafters, and Technicians to design, develop, test ...

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Co Op Engineering Student information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do co op engineering student jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for co op engineering student in Madison, WI is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a co op engineering student?

Co Op Engineering Students are undergraduate or graduate students who participate in a Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program, which combines classroom learning with paid, practical work experience in their field of study. These programs are typically offered through universities and allow students to alternate between academic terms and work placements with engineering companies. This hands-on experience helps students apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional skills, and build valuable industry connections before graduating.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a co op engineering student?

To thrive as a Co Op Engineering Student, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, strong analytical abilities, and enrollment in an accredited engineering program. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, data analysis platforms, and industry-specific systems is often expected. Effective communication, adaptability, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure you can successfully contribute to projects, learn from real-world experiences, and integrate into professional engineering teams.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can a co op engineering student expect to work on during their placement?

As a Co Op Engineering Student, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects that support the work of full-time engineers. These may include assisting with design work, conducting experiments or tests, analyzing data, and preparing technical documentation. You’ll likely collaborate with cross-functional teams and may participate in meetings, brainstorming sessions, and site visits. The scope of your responsibilities will often grow as you demonstrate your skills and initiative, providing valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges and workflows.

What is the difference between Co Op Engineering Student vs Engineering Intern?

AspectCo Op Engineering StudentEngineering Intern
CredentialsEnrolled in an engineering degree programEnrolled in an engineering or related program
Work EnvironmentOn-site or remote, often integrated into academic scheduleTypically on-site, project-based, or summer internship
Employer UsageUsed by companies for ongoing student support and talent pipelineUsed by companies for short-term project work and experience

Both roles involve students gaining practical engineering experience, but Co Op Engineering Students usually participate in longer-term, integrated work terms aligned with their academic schedule, while Engineering Interns often work during summer or short-term periods. Both positions help students develop skills and industry knowledge, with the main difference being duration and integration with academic programs.

Are co-op engineering students good for engineering?

Co-op engineering students provide valuable assistance to engineering teams by applying their academic knowledge to real-world projects, gaining practical experience, and developing technical skills such as CAD, programming, or testing. Their contributions can enhance project productivity and foster a pipeline of skilled future engineers. However, their effectiveness depends on their experience level, training, and the complexity of tasks assigned.

What jobs can a Co Op Engineering Student get?

A Co Op Engineering Student can typically work in roles such as engineering intern, research assistant, or project assistant, gaining experience in areas like design, testing, and analysis. These positions often involve using tools like CAD software, programming languages, or laboratory equipment, and may require collaboration with engineering teams during a structured work term.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering Student jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Engineering Student jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Co Op Engineering Student jobs in Madison, WI?

For Co Op Engineering Student jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Co Op Engineering Student jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Co Op Engineering Student jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Co Op Engineering Student jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Co Op Engineering Student job openings:

Infographic showing various Co Op Engineering Student job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 4% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,481 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Engineering Co-op (Multiple Disciplines)

Placon Corporation

Madison, WI • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Placon rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 85 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Engineering Co-op (Multiple Disciplines)

We're seeking motivated and talented Engineering Co-op students to join our team in Madison, WI starting in January 2027. This position provides hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers on meaningful projects that support our manufacturing, product development, automation, and quality initiatives.

If you're looking to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world manufacturing environment while developing technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and make a meaningful impact

Work Schedule

Onsite: Monday – Friday with traditional office hours. The co-op term will start in January 2027.

Why Placon – You'll Love It Here

  • Gain hands-on engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Work alongside experienced engineers and technical professionals
  • Support projects that have a direct impact on operations and business performance
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Operations teams
  • Develop technical, analytical, and professional skills
  • Receive mentorship and career development support
  • Build your professional network while contributing to meaningful projects

What You'll Do

Assignments will be based on business needs, educational background, individual skills, and areas of interest. Responsibilities may include:

  • Supporting engineering projects from concept through implementation
  • Assisting with product and process design improvements
  • Conducting testing, data collection, and analysis
  • Creating and updating engineering documentation, drawings, and specifications
  • Participating in continuous improvement initiatives
  • Supporting manufacturing process optimization efforts
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve technical challenges
  • Assisting with quality investigations and corrective actions
  • Analyzing production and quality data to identify improvement opportunities
  • Presenting project updates and recommendations to engineering and operations teams

What You Bring

Required

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited Engineering program
  • Junior standing or higher (rising Junior, Senior, or Graduate student)
  • Pursuing a degree in:
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Design Engineering
    • Quality Engineering
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Or a related Engineering field
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Experience with CAD software and engineering design tools
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles
  • Experience with data analysis, reporting, or statistical tools

Does this sound like you?

If you're an ambitious engineering student looking to gain hands-on experience, solve real-world challenges, and contribute to meaningful projects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to be considered for Engineering Co-op opportunities across our organization


Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).


Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.


Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.


This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.

What Placon employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Placon logo

About Placon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Fitchburg, WI, US

Year founded

1966

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