2027 Co-Op: R&D Packaging (6 months, Jan. start)

Haleon • Richmond, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Packaging Co-Op with Haleon’s North America R&D Packaging team in Richmond, Virginia, you will support innovation and sustainability projects under the guidance of an R&D Packaging Manager. You will gain hands-on experience with packaging materials, product design, testing, prototyping, and pilot-scale operations, developing technical expertise in packaging development for consumer healthcare products. The role provides exposure to the packaging development process, from understanding consumer and product needs through technical development and evaluation.

You will work with packaging professionals, scientists, and engineers to address technical challenges and identify innovation opportunities. The position is intended for students in packaging, engineering, materials science, design, or related technical disciplines. It requires working at the designated location, with an in-office presence of four to five days per week. The co-op runs for six months, starting in January 2027, and requires full-time work of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Candidates who need to relocate are responsible for arranging and funding their own housing, transportation, and relocation. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and not require future sponsorship.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related technical field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Able to work full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for six months.
• Able to work at the designated Richmond location, with an in-office presence of four to five days per week.
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Junior, senior, or graduate student status.
• Exposure to CAD, 3D modeling, engineering design, or related technical coursework.
• Interest in packaging development, sustainability, innovation, or consumer products.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and formats.
• Support innovation and sustainability initiatives across consumer healthcare product categories.
• Assist with prototype development, testing, and technical evaluation of packaging concepts.
• Evaluate the performance of primary and secondary packaging components.
• Explore product-packaging interactions and support product stability assessments.
• Gather and apply consumer insights to improve packaging experiences.
• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and cross-functional partners to prototype and test new ideas.
• Support activities in a pilot plant environment.
• Document findings and communicate technical recommendations to project teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern