1

Co Op Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

2025 - Summer Intern Co-op Conversion

Hampton, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

This requisition is for 2025 Summer Intern/Co-op Conversion candidates with assignment end dates from 7/1 - 9/30 to apply to be considered for the conversion process. There are two ways you can be ...

2025 - Summer Intern Co-op Conversion

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

This requisition is for 2025 Summer Intern/Co-op Conversion candidates with assignment end dates from 7/1 - 9/30 to apply to be considered for the conversion process. There are two ways you can be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Co Op Intern information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do co op intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for co op intern in Virginia is $16.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a co op intern?

A Co Op Intern, short for Cooperative Education Intern, is a student who participates in a structured program that combines academic studies with practical work experience related to their field of study. Unlike standard internships, Co Op positions are typically longer, often lasting several months or alternating semesters of work and study. This type of internship allows students to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build industry connections while earning academic credit or compensation. Co Op Internships are commonly found in fields like engineering, business, and technology. They help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

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

To thrive as a Co Op Intern, you need a strong academic background in your field of study, basic industry knowledge, and often enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with productivity tools like Microsoft Office, project management software, or specialized industry platforms is typically expected. Effective communication, eagerness to learn, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that help interns integrate into teams and take on new challenges. These abilities are important because they enable interns to contribute meaningfully, grow professionally, and maximize the learning opportunities provided by the internship.

How does a co op intern typically balance academic commitments with work responsibilities during their placement?

Co Op Interns often need to manage both academic requirements and job duties, as many programs are structured in partnership with educational institutions. Employers usually coordinate schedules with schools to ensure interns can meet both obligations, but time management and clear communication are key. Interns may face deadlines for coursework or reports alongside workplace projects, so it's important to stay organized and proactively discuss any scheduling conflicts with supervisors. This balance offers valuable experience in multitasking and prioritizing, which are crucial skills for future career growth.

What is the difference between Co Op Intern vs Intern?

AspectCo Op InternIntern
CredentialsTypically enrolled in a degree program, may require specific courseworkUsually students seeking practical experience, often with similar educational requirements
Work EnvironmentPart of a structured program, often integrated into academic curriculumVaries; may be project-based or seasonal, less structured
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in engineering, business, and technical fields; used as a recruitment pipelineWidespread across industries; often a short-term entry point for students

Both Co Op Interns and Interns are student roles designed to provide practical experience. Co Op Interns typically participate in structured, semester-long programs integrated with their academic curriculum, often with a focus on specific skills. Interns may have more flexible or short-term arrangements, serving as an introduction to the industry. The main difference lies in the structure and integration with education, with Co Op Internships offering a more formalized, ongoing experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Intern jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Intern jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Co Op Intern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Co Op Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Co Op Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,132 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern - All Mills

pca

Counce, TN • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Posted 12 days ago


Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern

We are seeking resumes for an electrical engineering co-op. This application may lead to three potential job titles depending on mill needs: an electrical reliability engineering co-op, an electrical project engineering co-op, or a process control engineering co-op. The primary responsibilities of each are detailed below.

Electrical Reliability Engineering Co-Op

  • Support electrical reliability assignments that improve mill safety, equipment performance, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
  • Work with reliability engineers, maintenance, operations, and mill personnel to troubleshoot electrical and equipment reliability issues.
  • Apply predictive and preventive maintenance techniques to improve equipment reliability and support root-cause failure analyses.
  • Assist with special reliability projects and additional assignments that support safe, efficient, and reliable mill operations.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

Electrical Project Engineering Co-Op

  • Support electrical project engineering assignments involving planning, design, installation, commissioning, and startup of mill electrical equipment.
  • Assist with electrical equipment projects, including motors, MCCs, lighting, valves, switches, sensors, cameras, instrumentation, and related systems.
  • Use AutoCAD, P&ID drawings, process information systems, Trident, Microsoft Office, and other company software to update drawings, create new project documentation, and maintain equipment files.
  • Coordinate with project engineers, operations, contractors, maintenance shops, and other disciplines to support safe project execution, installation, and startup.
  • Support project management activities such as scope development, schedule coordination, cost tracking, contractor oversight, and communication with mill personnel.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

Process Control Engineering Co-Op

  • Support process control engineers, instrument technicians, and mill operations with troubleshooting, advanced process control, DCS, and control system improvement efforts.
  • Use process information systems, Microsoft Office, Trident, AutoCAD, and other company software to update drawings, equipment files, functional specifications, and control documentation.
  • Assist with system audits, loop checks, I/O checkout, startup support, and correction of control system documentation and wiring records during outages or down days.
  • Collect, enter, and analyze process and control systems data to support troubleshooting, reliability, process optimization, and business decision-making.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

 

Basic Qualifications:

Required:

A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required and must be a permanent U.S. resident with a valid driver’s license. Must be majoring in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or a related field and have completed freshman year or will have completed freshman year at time of co-op or internship. 

Preferred:

Currently a member of the paper foundation at the following schools: Auburn University, Georgia Tech University, University of Maine, Miami University (Ohio), University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, NC State University, SUNY ESF, University of Washington – Seattle, Western Michigan University, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, or currently enrolled at any State University or Technological University in the following states: AL, FL, GA, IL, ID, LA, MI, MN, MS, NC, ND, OH, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI. Students that sign up for interviews during the Career Fairs and On-Campus Interview days at the schools listed will be given first consideration.

Completing this application makes you eligible for consideration at any of PCA’s 10 mill locations as follows:

  • Counce, TN
  • Deridder, LA
  • Filer City, MI
  • International Falls, MN
  • Jackson, AL 
  • Massillon, OH
  • Riverville, VA
  • Tomahawk, WI
  • Valdosta, GA
  • Wallula, WA

What Packaging Corporation Of America employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom