Packaging Engineering Co-Op

Glanbia Performance Nutrition is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glanbia headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois. GPN manufactures and markets the full range of performance nutrition products including protein, pre-workout, muscle gainers and general health. Products are sold through a variety of channels including specialty retail, the internet and gyms in a variety of formats including powders, bars and Ready-to-Drink beverages. GPN has a global and expanding footprint with a current in-market presence in 24 countries. 

Job/Project Summary: Be a key contributor to the GPN team as a Packaging Engineering Intern. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Apply engineering knowledge to real business case scenarios in production 

• Work towards an understanding of how the engineering of packaging interacts with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and other business units 

• Interface with contractors and suppliers 

• Develop relationship management skills appropriate for business 

• Develop a working understanding of packaging on packaging equipment and processes 

• Build collaboration and project management skills 

• Learn use of practical computer programs such as CAPE, SAP, Etc.  

Expected Outcomes: 

• Understanding and real experience in the commercialization of packaging and products 

• Strong Team collaboration within and outside of Packaging Engineering 

• Real manufacturing models  

• Interaction between food packaging equipment and packaging components 

• Production floor experience 

Job Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent): Job responsibilities can include, but not be limited to: 

• Commercialization collaboration on key projects to market for the business including tasks with cross functional groups such as Procurement, Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales 

• Research, Justify, and Execute operational improvement projects in Packaging through coordination and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders such as Plant Managers, Line Leads, Procurement, Etc.  

• Research new technologies relevant to the current commercialization of packaging such as SIOC, Sustainability, Etc.   

• Interact with key packaging suppliers  

• Troubleshooting packaging issues 

• Coordinate, assist and oversea in plant trials 

• Keep detailed and organized record of key learnings, data, and projects to hand off to the business and future interns 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree majoring in Packaging Engineering,  

• Clear written communication and strong interpersonal skills 

• Excellent organization and time management skills 

• Self-starter and highly motivated 

• Ability to thoroughly complete tasks with minimum follow-up 

• Ability to self-prioritize workload 

• Effective working individually and within team environments. 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)