Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Packaging Intern

🎯 Role Definition

We are on the hunt for a highly motivated, creative, and detail-oriented Packaging Intern to join our innovative team for a rewarding internship experience. This role is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the end-to-end packaging development process, working shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned packaging engineers, designers, and cross-functional partners. You will contribute to tangible projects, tackling real-world challenges in structural design, material science, and sustainability. If you are passionate about creating exceptional consumer experiences and want to see your ideas take shape in a fast-paced environment, this internship will provide the foundation for a successful career in packaging.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Current student in a Bachelor's or Master's program (Packaging Science, Engineering, etc.)
Previous technical or design-focused internship
University-level research or lab assistant roles

Advancement To:

Packaging Engineer I
Packaging Specialist
Associate Project Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Analyst
Quality Assurance Engineer
Industrial Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist in the design and development of innovative primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging structures from initial concept to final production.
Create, manage, and meticulously document detailed packaging component specifications, including technical drawings, material requirements, and performance standards.
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans according to ISTA and ASTM standards to validate packaging integrity, ensuring robust product protection throughout the supply chain.
Collaborate actively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance, to ensure project alignment and seamless execution.
Support critical cost-saving initiatives by analyzing existing packaging, identifying opportunities for material optimization, and evaluating alternative, cost-effective solutions.
Build and iterate on physical prototypes using rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers, digital cutting tables (e.g., Kongsberg/Zund), and traditional model-making techniques.
Participate in and contribute to dynamic brainstorming sessions to generate novel packaging concepts that enhance user experience and align with brand aesthetics.
Conduct in-depth research on emerging packaging materials, cutting-edge technologies, and global sustainability trends to inform future design strategies.
Support factory trials and new packaging-line startups, providing on-site assistance to troubleshoot and resolve issues during the manufacturing process.
Prepare and confidently present project updates, detailed test results, and data-driven design recommendations to senior engineers and key project stakeholders.
Utilize CAD software (such as ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) to create precise 2D and 3D structural designs, dielines, and technical drawings.
Manage a packaging lab environment, which includes maintaining test equipment, organizing material samples, and overseeing the inventory of testing supplies.
Evaluate and document packaging for sustainability improvements, with a focus on enhancing recyclability, compostability, and increasing the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
Perform root cause analysis for packaging-related failures identified in the field or during transit, and propose effective, long-term corrective actions.
Coordinate directly with external suppliers and vendors to request material samples, obtain pricing quotations, and ensure all incoming materials meet strict quality specifications.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development and maintenance of a Bill of Materials (BOM) for new and existing packaging assemblies within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.
Support the creation and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for packaging-related processes on the production floor.
Conduct competitive analysis by evaluating competitor packaging to benchmark performance, cost, sustainability, and design features, presenting key findings to the team.
Ensure meticulous organization and archiving of project files, critical test data, and technical reports for future reference and knowledge sharing.
Participate in and support continuous improvement events (e.g., Kaizen) aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving quality within the packaging development workflow.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD software (ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar platforms).
Strong foundational knowledge of packaging materials, including corrugate, paperboard, flexible films, rigid plastics, glass, and their physical properties.
Familiarity with industry-standard packaging test methodologies and procedures (ISTA, ASTM).
Experience with or exposure to palletization and load optimization software (TOPS or CAPE Pack).
Basic understanding of high-volume manufacturing processes, quality control principles, and supply chain logistics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for creating compelling presentations.
Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers or digital cutting tables is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, methodical approach to tackling challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to a non-technical audience.
A high degree of creativity, innate curiosity, and an unwavering attention to detail.
Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled and in good standing in a Bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Junior or Senior standing is preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Packaging Science / Packaging Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Industrial Design
Chemical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-1 years of relevant experience through coursework, complex academic projects, or previous internships.

Preferred:

Prior internship experience or significant project work directly related to packaging, structural design, or a manufacturing environment.
Active participation in a student organization related to the field of study.