Future Opportunities Packaging Co-Op (Spring 2027)

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Duration: Spring 2027 (January - June 2027)

Summary:

This position supports and/or leads the design and technical development of various primary and secondary packaging materials for new and existing products. Working with your manager and other engineers, the Co-Op will research, develop, test and recommend various packaging design proposals for commercialization & implementation at Hershey manufacturing locations.

Working closely Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality and Equipment Engineering, the Engineer will create innovative solutions to support new product innovation & lead cost savings initiatives. This role will also partner with the Hershey packaging lab to develop test methods and execute testing to optimize existing structures.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and people skills, strong project leadership, technical expertise, and must be available to commit 40 hours per week for this rotation.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate, and develop packaging components and systems to meet business needs.
• Develop, update and issue specifications to maintain product integrity. This includes development of appropriate design to maximize long term quality and shelf life of product while minimizing cost.
• Ensures the accuracy of specifications issued, including mechanical drawings and written text.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Supply Chain to identify business need and manufacturing capabilities.
• Present design recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Research, develop, test, and implement proposals for packaging design.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing plants.
• Develop packaging bill of materials and enter into project management system for manufacturing/co-pack implementation.
• Prepare, conduct and/or attend meetings. Present projects as required.
• 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.
• Collaborate and lead with cross functional partners and commercialization teams to drive projects forward by researching and developing packaging solutions to meet the consumer and customer's needs.
• Understands the relationship between the package format, food / beverage processing method, manufacturing processes and product / packaging interaction.
• Identify and drive cost savings opportunities, looking both at individual component level as well as process improvements and manufacturing.

efficiency gains.

• Leverage and manage internal and external network to deliver solutions that meet the packaging requirements, product needs, and consumer experiences.
• Develop a professional knowledge of current and emerging trends in packaging technology.

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

• Familiarity with variety of packaging materials and technologies and manufacturing processes strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and able to quickly adapt to changing priorities and unexpected requests.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Pursuing BS in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related science field.
• Must be comfortable with limited direction.

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 these roles in the future.