Future Opportunities Mechanical Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Location: Hershey, PA

Duration: Summer & Fall 2026

Description:

This job opportunity is at the West Hershey Plant in Hershey, PA. We are one of the world's largest chocolate manufacturing facilities and several of Hershey's famous brands are manufactured in our plant.

In this co-op position, the student will be working in an industrial environment and be expected to assume a very "hands-on" role. The co-op will be given challenging, productive assignments similar to those of an entry-level, full-time engineer, allowing him/her to experience a sense of accomplishment and contribution. Specific duties will mainly involve working with packaging equipment and will require the student to work directly with Production, Maintenance, Trades, outside contractors and vendors, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and other support team members depending on the assignment.

Although Mechanical Engineering will be the focus, the student will also interact frequently with Chemical, Industrial, Electrical, and Controls engineers. This allows the co-op to understand what role each engineering discipline plays in a manufacturing plant. Many of the concepts that the co-op learns in this position can be applied to other industries.

Responsibilities:

The student will work under the direct supervision and guidance of an experienced engineer and perform the same tasks. Responsibilities will increase as appropriate as the co-op term progresses. Typical assignments are:

1. Investigate and troubleshoot problems
2. Design and optimize processes and equipment
3. Develop scopes, functional specifications, and cost estimates
4. Function as project manager by writing and implementing projects
5. Purchase components and equipment
6. Coordinate installation work and equipment startups

Required Skills/Experience:

1. Verbal and written communication and interactive skills are critical in this assignment
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, etc. Knowledge of AutoCAD is useful but not required.
3. Must have completed sophomore year and have a minimum 2.8 GPA
4. Preferred major is Mechanical Engineering
5. Must have reliable transportation

Work Schedule:

A minimum of two co-op terms are required. The terms can be rotational assignments, or two terms can be consecutive. (Terms are typically Spring, Summer, and Fall, approximately 4 months each.)

Primary focus currently is recruiting for a co-op to start working Summer term 2026. Preliminary recruiting for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 is also underway. Please specify what term(s) you are available.