Packaging Co-op Intern
About the role
Lactalis USA is currently hiring a Packaging Co-Op Internship based in Buffalo, New York. The Packaging Co-Op will be required to work a minimum of 25 weekly hours, preferred 40 hours per week for 6-months duration. The intern will work closely with Marketing, Research and Development, Plants, Engineering, and Purchasing and will be responsible for understanding and contributing to sustainability goals, providing recommendations to meet those goals and execute projects. Projects will include testing of current packaging, exploring new packaging, creating specs, managing specs, collecting data for CSR reporting, and analyzing packages with our sustainability tool.
This position is located in either the Chicago LHD office, which is the headquarters for the Lactalis Heritage Dairy (LHD) division, or the Buffalo LAG office, which is the headquarters for the Lactalis American Group (LAG) division, but this position will support the entire Lactalis USA business. This includes the brands Kraft, Cracker Barrel, Galbani, President, and Breakstones. This is a paid co-op. We are targeting this position to begin in December, 2026!
Responsibilities
- Analyze current packaging using our sustainability tool to create priority list of sustainability projects.
- Work with cross-functional teams (Marketing, R&D, Quality, Plants, CSR, Engineering and Purchasing) to develop, design, test and make packaging recommendations for new and existing (line extensions) products.
- Support spec and data input across zones to analyze current sustainability footprint and find largest impact projects.
- Assist other packaging engineers with plant/supplier/DC visits, inspections and trials.
- Test packaging in partnership with product R&D, may include shelf life and light studies.
- Develop an understanding of the packaging production machinery used at each plant.
- Create cost requests for procurement to analyze savings projects.
- Travel and / or extended or off work hours may be required.
- This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
- To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Working towards a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science or related field
- Packaging related Internship or other work experience preferred
Specialized Knowledge
- Packaging terms and basic understanding of general food packaging
- OSHA, Food Safety, FDA and USDA awareness
- Computers and Systems (Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Skills/Abilities
- Effective and proficient communicator, written and verbal
- Business acumen to include problem solving and analysis
- Able to manage time through efficient planning and organizing
- Ability to travel