Operations Engineer Emerging Leader Program

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. 

Sonoco’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is your pathway to becoming one of Sonoco’s future business leaders. For over four decades, this selective program has been a cornerstone of career growth for professionals starting their journey with us.

Grounded in our mission to empower emerging leaders to excel as leaders, teammates, and followers who consistently do the right thing, ELP offers full-time positions designed for recent college graduates that go beyond a traditional first job. Over 24 months, associates gain hands-on experience, personalized leadership development, and coaching tailored to their unique strengths — all while building connections with other emerging leaders across the company.

With access to our diverse portfolio of businesses, ELP associates are empowered to shape their careers, contribute to Sonoco’s culture, and deliver meaningful impact from day one — growing into the well-rounded, value-driven leaders of tomorrow.

Your time spent in the ELP will cover specific core objectives as follows (but not limited to):

• Technical Skills Training - Safety, Quality, Scheduling, Customer satisfaction

• Leadership Training – Supervisory skills, Performance Management, Mentorship

• Business Insights - Accountability, Execution, Risk Taking, Budgeting

• Culture Integration – including Communication, Collaboration and Innovation

We want employees who can help us live our purpose each and every day. Our core belief is the People Build Businesses, by ‘Doing the Right Thing’. To become a member of the ELP you must have strong ethics, a passion for innovation, and be willing to go the extra mile.

We are looking for students who:

• Have or will obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering by December 2025 or May 2026

• Previous internship experience (preferably in Manufacturing or functional area)

• Proven leadership experience

• Desire to work in a Manufacturing environment

• Technical aptitude

• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

All ELP Associates must be open to relocation (immediately or in the future) and be willing to work rotating or late shifts.

This position is within our Sonoco Metal Packaging division, located at our Oakdale, California facility.

Compensation:

The annual base salary range for Non-Technical Degrees is between $67,000 and $70,000

The annual base salary range for Technical Degrees is between $76,000 and $82,500

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.