Quality Leadership Development Program (Co-op Project Engineer) Spring 2027

Company Description

To be the leading producer of glass bottles and jars worldwide you need passion, commitment and innovation baked into the very fabric of a business and its people. For more than 120 years, our glass makers have honed their craft—channeling their creativity into more than 1,800 patents held today. When you join O-I you become part of that story.

O-I has more than a century of experience crafting pure, sustainable, brand-building glass packaging for many of the world’s best-known food and beverage brands. We are proud to provide high quality glass packaging for beer, wine, spirits, food, non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. We are dedicated to make what matters to shape a healthier, more sustainable and more exciting world. We transform the industry to make glass more relevant and more accessible to more people.

Job Description

As part of O-I's Quality Leadership Development Program Co-op, you'll have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts at the world's leading glass container manufacturer while working at our global headquarters in Perrysburg, Ohio.

This 12 to 16-week rotational program combines hands-on quality and manufacturing experience with structured training designed to build the foundation for a successful, long-term career at O-I. As a Project Engineer Co-op, you'll take on meaningful work, solve real business challenges, and gain exposure to the people, technologies, and processes that drive our manufacturing operations.

Throughout the program, you'll benefit from a comprehensive learning and development experience that includes on-the-job training, networking opportunities, and social engagement activities. You'll work alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your growth while developing technical, operational, and leadership skills that will prepare you for future opportunities within O-I.

Your co-op experience will challenge you, expand your industry knowledge, and provide valuable exposure to manufacturing operations and quality systems. As you continue to grow, you'll gain greater responsibility, develop skills that contribute to team success, and play a role in shaping the future of our organization. The Quality Leadership Development Program is designed to prepare participants for technical and supervisory careers in manufacturing and quality across our North American operations.

During the co-op development program, you'll:

• Perform a variety of tests, analyses, and studies focused on improving glass container quality.
• Apply problem-solving skills and statistical tools to design studies and conduct quality and complaint analyses.
• Participate in the evaluation and testing of new container designs.
• Partner with O-I manufacturing plants and customers to investigate glass container quality and manufacturing challenges.
• Conduct measurements and prepare reports to communicate quality findings and recommendations.
• Gain exposure to key plant processes, including batch and furnace operations, forming machines, equipment systems, inspection, packaging, and quality assurance programs.
• Develop a well-rounded understanding of plant operations, customer relations, and manufacturing management through hands-on experience, collaboration with corporate and plant teams, and potential travel to O-I facilities and customer locations.

Qualifications

The ideal co-op participant will have:

• A natural curiosity and eagerness to learn.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• High motivation and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• A desire to grow into future leadership opportunities and help develop high-performing teams.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Preferred degree disciplines include Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Ceramic and Glass Engineering, Maintenance and Industrial Technology, Operations Management, and Materials Science.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. O-I does not sponsor work visas for internships or co-op positions.

What we offer at O-I:

• Competitive compensation
• Opportunity for future growth and advancement
• Supportive teams to help you grow and learn new skills

Next Steps:

If you are smart, passionate, innovative, culturally open, curious and collaborative, we’d like to hear from you.

O-I is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that attracts and embraces the brightest minds and creates a culture that welcomes a diversity of ideas and perspectives while encouraging growth and rewarding performance. Apply through the “I’m interested” button today! 

Not ready to apply but interested in learning more about O-I's student opportunities? Sign up to receive more information from us here.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

O-I is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact O-I at and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.