What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Co-Op position at Chobani?
Department: Supply Chain – Operations
Reports to: Senior Packaging Engineer
Position Summary
As a Packaging Engineer Co-op at our food manufacturing plant, you will play a meaningful role in supporting packaging design, development, and optimization efforts. This hands-on position offers valuable exposure to real-world engineering processes, sustainability initiatives, and packaging innovations within the food manufacturing industry. You will collaborate with multi-functional teams to ensure that packaging meets quality, regulatory, and sustainability standards, while optimizing for production efficiency and cost.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for students pursuing a degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, contributing to projects that directly impact our business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the design, development, and optimization of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging solutions to ensure product protection, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
- Conduct packaging material evaluations and tests to assess performance, durability, and compliance with food safety laws.
- Provide on-site support for packaging equipment, including solving issues on filling, sealing, and labeling machines. Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to improve equipment efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Support line trials, new product launches, and package validation activities to ensure flawless integration into the manufacturing process.
- Prepare reports and presentations summarizing packaging test results, data analysis, and project updates.
- Assist in reviewing packaging specifications to ensure they meet regulatory and quality requirements and in evaluating cost-saving opportunities through material reduction, sourcing alternatives, or redesigning packaging components for manufacturability.
- Participate in multi-functional team meetings and provide insights and recommendations on packaging-related challenges.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
- Basic knowledge of CAD software is a plus.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for food packaging (FDA, USDA, etc.) is preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Capability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing setting that emphasizes measurable outcomes.
- Ability to lift up to 35lbs multiple times and work in cold environment.
- Ability to work full-time during the co-op period (typically 6-9 months).
Typical work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM; should be flexible to adjust schedule if project work requires it.
This is an incredible chance to acquire practical experience and apply your academic knowledge in a dynamic manufacturing environment. You will have the opportunity to contribute to projects that directly influence our business.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
