Future Opportunities Packaging Development Co-Op (Spring 2026)

Location: Hershey, PA

Duration: Spring 2026

Summary

With supervision from the Manager, the position supports or leads the design and technical development of packaging solutions for new and/or existing products. This role will also partner with the Hershey packaging lab to develop test methods and execute testing to optimize existing packaging structures.

Eligible candidates must be available to commit 40 hours per week for this rotation (July 2025 - December 2025).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• With supervision from Manager of Packaging Development or Senior Packaging Engineer, review, recommend, test and implement various proposals for packaging design. Collaborate with project initiator on project objectives and expectations.
• Utilize various packaging material substrates in the design of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging that minimizes material usage and labor implications while enhancing retail acceptance.
• Helps determine impact on new packaging design to existing and new automation at manufacturing locations.
• With the Manager or Packaging Engineer, responsible for determining packaging material specifications to maintain product integrity. This includes development of appropriate design to maximize long term quality and shelf life of product while minimizing cost.
• Conduct analytical testing on materials and interpret data findings. Propose design recommendations to manager and/or customer as a result of findings.
• Ensure project success by keeping project on schedule through written and oral correspondence while evaluating technical data, i.e. lab results, collaborative tests, distribution tests and line trials.
• Develop a professional knowledge of current and emerging trends in packaging technology.
• Ensures the accuracy of specifications issued, including mechanical drawings and written text.
• Identify potential cost implications to all areas of the business regarding packaging changes and communicate impact to industrial engineering.
• Develop packaging bill of materials and enter into project management system for manufacturing/co-pack implementation.
• Conducts packaging studies aimed at decreasing costs, reducing material usage while maintaining product/cosmetic integrity.
• Partner with procurement on implementation of cost reduction initiatives.
• Review internal (Hershey) and external (customer) data to investigate and develop causation of packaging failure and develop/implement corrective actions accordingly.
• Identify areas of opportunity to standardize materials to realize volume leverage pricing for packaging components

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities

• Basic understanding of other team members' duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to design and interpret transport simulations.
• Technical knowledge of packaging material fundamentals.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to communicate (oral and written).
• Mechanical aptitude and ability.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Ability to make decisions independently.
• Able to work with others.
• Self-Motivation and initiative.
• Organizational skills.
• Able to work together with other functions to accomplish a common objective
• Strong PC skills; MS Office, Excel

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Education: Pursuing B.S. in Packaging Engineering

Please be advised that The Hershey Company welcomes all applicants to internships. However, Hershey will not provide immigration-related support for these internships.

Hershey also will not provide immigration-related sponsorship (such as H-1B) for entry-level roles should you later apply for one of those roles in the future.