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Project Engineer Co Op Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

pca

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern - All Mills

Counce, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Electrical Project Engineering Co-Op * Support electrical project engineering assignments involving planning, design, installation, commissioning, and startup of mill electrical equipment. * Assist ...

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All JobsProject Engineer Co Op JobsProject Engineer Co Op Jobs in Tennessee

Project Engineer Co Op information

See Tennessee salary details

$40.8K

$82.3K

$123.4K

How much do project engineer co op jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer co op in Tennessee is $82,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project engineer co op?

A Project Engineer Co Op is a cooperative education position typically offered to students in engineering programs. It provides hands-on experience by allowing students to work alongside professional engineers on real-world projects, often as part of their academic curriculum. Project Engineer Co Ops assist with project planning, design, coordination, and implementation while gaining industry knowledge and practical skills. These roles are usually temporary and intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and full-time engineering work. The experience gained can be valuable for future career opportunities in engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a project engineer co op?

As a Project Engineer Co-Op, you will typically support project managers and engineering teams with tasks such as coordinating project schedules, assisting with site inspections, preparing documentation, and communicating with contractors or vendors. You may also have opportunities to participate in meetings, track project progress, and contribute to problem-solving sessions. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges while developing key skills like teamwork, technical communication, and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer co op, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Co Op, you typically need a background in engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and enrollment in an accredited engineering program. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools like Microsoft Project, and basic understanding of industry standards are commonly expected. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability help differentiate top candidates in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure effective project support, smooth communication among stakeholders, and successful completion of engineering tasks.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Co Op vs Project Engineer?

AspectProject Engineer Co OpProject Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in engineeringUsually holds a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or temporary position, often part-time during studiesFull-time professional role in project management and engineering tasks
Employer UsageUsed by companies for internship programs to develop future engineersUsed by companies for ongoing project execution and management

The Project Engineer Co Op is an entry-level, temporary position designed for students gaining practical experience, while the Project Engineer is a full-time role responsible for managing projects and coordinating engineering activities. The Co Op provides a stepping stone into the industry, whereas the Project Engineer role involves more responsibility and independence.

Is a project engineer a stressful job?

A project engineer role can be stressful due to tight deadlines, coordinating multiple teams, and managing project scope and budgets. However, stress levels vary depending on project complexity, experience, and workplace support, with strong organizational and communication skills helping to mitigate pressure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Project Engineer Co Op jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Project Engineer Co Op job openings:

Project Engineer Co Op jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Co Op job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,270 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern - All Mills

pca

Counce, TN • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Posted 23 days ago

Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 122 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

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