Packaging Engineer Intern/Co-Op

Colgate•Topeka, KS

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Engineering Intern/Co-op will support the development, qualification, and implementation of packaging solutions for pet food products at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to deliver consumer-centric packaging that meets performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability requirements.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in: Packaging Engineering / Packaging Science, Materials Science, Or a closely related technical field
Minimum GPA : 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with CAD or packaging-related software is a plus

Responsibilities

Support packaging project execution: Assist packaging engineers in driving packaging projects to closure from concept through commercialization. Contribute to project documentation, timelines, and progress updates. Support LCA (Life cycle assessment) on packaging solutions and provide recommendations.
Cross-functional collaboration: Work with Product Development, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, and other functional groups to identify and develop packaging technologies. Help ensure solutions meet key attributes such as cost targets, consumer usage/functionality, manufacturability, and compatibility of materials with product formulations.
Technical communication and reporting: Prepare and present clear technical summaries, packaging concepts, test results, and business impact to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Develop written reports, slide presentations, and supporting documentation.
Packaging development, scale-up, and technology transfer: Support packaging development through pilot and manufacturing scale-up. Partner with Quality, Product Development, and manufacturing site teams to ensure packaging equipment/material system specifications, functionality, and design are appropriate for intended use. Confirm that packaging maintains product integrity and visual appeal under various shipping, handling, and display conditions.
Testing, analysis, and recommendations: Monitor and/or conduct package testing (e.g., stability, transit, drop, compression, sealing, etc.). Analyze test data and prepare reports including conclusions and recommendations for design or process changes.
Case/cube information, cost estimates, and savings estimates
Laboratory and equipment understanding: Develop a working knowledge of Packaging Laboratory test equipment and capabilities. Learn and apply standard operating procedures for equipment use and data collection.