Manufacturing Graduate Development Program - 2025 - O-I

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.

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.

Join Our Manufacturing Graduate Development Program!

Accelerate your leadership development and embark on a transformative journey with O-I’s Manufacturing Graduate Development Program, where you will be mentored by industry experts and learn from the best in the glass business. This structured onsite development program is designed to nurture high-potential talent, preparing you for a successful and long-lasting career in O-I’s manufacturing areas. Through challenging opportunities and a supportive learning environment, you will gain diverse experiences and develop a broad skill set, deep organizational knowledge, and a global perspective. Become a future leader at O-I and take the first step toward an exciting career in manufacturing!

The program duration is 18 months and is designed to provide exposure to diverse roles, functions, and business units such as Quality, Plant Engineering, Batch & Furnace, Product and Mold Design, and Environmental Health and Safety, to name a few. This program fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, driving organizational effectiveness and succession planning by cultivating future leaders. You’ll start with comprehensive onboarding sessions introducing you to the program structure, expectations, and governance framework. Through individualized development plans, you’ll set clear objectives aligned with organizational goals and your career aspirations.

The program features pre-defined rotations, adhering to a consistent schedule for all participants, and includes midpoint reviews to assess progress and provide feedback. You’ll engage in deep-dive assignments tailored to your development goals and organizational needs, with structured debriefing sessions at the end of each rotation to reflect on your achievements and areas for growth. You will be matched with an experienced mentor who align with your career goals and development needs. Regular check-ins with your mentor will support your progress, address challenges, and explore opportunities for advancement throughout the duration of the 18 months (and beyond).

To be successful in this program, one should have:

• Desire to work in a manufacturing plant environment
• Desire to ultimately lead and develop a team of people, in a the manufacturing plant environment 
• Ability to analyze complex problems and make data-driven decisions
• Natural curiosity, eagerness to learn, and strategic thinking
• High motivation with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proactive initiative and adaptability in dynamic environments

Typical Program Guideline:

Months 1-9: Immerse yourself in the foundational aspects of our manufacturing operations. During this period, you will rotate through various roles and departments, gaining hands-on experience with our cutting-edge processes and technologies. This comprehensive exposure will equip you with a broad understanding of our facility's operating procedures and set the stage for your future success.

Month 10: As a participant in the rotation program, you will spend one month working directly on the manufacturing line, gaining hands-on experience with the day-to-day operations and processes. This immersive experience will provide you with valuable insights into the production workflow, teamwork, and the practical challenges faced on the shop floor.

Months 11-18: Work closely with our expert team to identify and focus on a specialty area that aligns with your interests and career goals. You will receive in-depth, specialized training, and mentorship in your chosen field, allowing you to develop expertise and make a significant impact. This phase is designed to deepen your knowledge and hone your skills, preparing you for advanced responsibilities.

Program Conclusion: Transition into a full-time role at one of our premier manufacturing plants in North America. Your assignment will be carefully matched to your educational background, professional experience, and personal interests, as well as the strategic needs of the company. This tailored placement ensures that you are well-positioned for a successful and fulfilling career with O-I.

• December 2024-May 2025 graduates 
• The desired degrees for this program include - Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Industrial, Chemical, Manufacturing, Ceramic and Glass Engineering, Maintenance and Industrial Technology, and Operations Management
• Ability to travel throughout North America during the program (financial assistance provided by O-I)
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.

Salary Range:  The salary for this location is $70,000 annually and includes a possible 12% quarterly incentive bonus.

O-I offers a very generous benefit package – some of the highlights are:.

• Generous vacation time and paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, prescription, and vision care coverage
• Engaging wellbeing program with opportunities to earn employer contributions
• Life and AD&D insurance for peace of mind
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with substantial employer contributions
• Supportive Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional guidance
• Relocation assistance and support with moving expenses as applicable
• Performance Incentive bonus program as applicable

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

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 hr.recruiters@o-i.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.