Winter 2027 Co-op - Production Operations

About the role

Winter 2027 Production Co‑op at Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) in Williamson, NY. You will support the development and implementation of Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) that improve safety, quality, and productivity of manufacturing operations. Working directly with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and EHS, you will spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, engaging employees, and documenting best practices. This role is designed for students seeking real‑world manufacturing experience in a fast‑paced environment and requires a high level of professionalism, initiative, communication, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop Safety, Quality, and Production Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) that improve First‑Time‑Right execution, reduce process variation, and standardize critical manufacturing tasks.
• Observe manufacturing processes and collect information directly from operators, technicians, and supervisors to accurately document work practices.
• Verify and validate work instructions through employee engagement and process confirmation to ensure procedures are accurate, complete, and executable.
• Document equipment operation, product changeovers, inspections, quality checks, troubleshooting activities, and other critical manufacturing processes.
• Audit existing documentation and identify opportunities to improve clarity, usability, consistency, and process compliance.
• Build process knowledge and technical understanding of assigned production areas through direct observation and hands‑on learning.
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools and plant information systems to organize, maintain, and present process documentation.
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce variation, improve standardization, and strengthen process control.
• Engage operators, technicians, supervisors, and support personnel to capture best practices and ensure documented procedures accurately reflect actual work methods.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled full‑time in an accredited bachelor's degree program in Engineering, Industrial Manufacturing Leadership, Food Science, or a related technical discipline, with at least two full years completed prior to the start of the co‑op.
• Available to work 40 hours per week (Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, including active listening, professional written communication, effective verbal communication, and ability to engage employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated professionalism, accountability, and maturity in academic, work, leadership, military, athletic, or extracurricular settings.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and spending significant time on the production floor observing processes and interacting with employees.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and effectively manage assigned work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse functions including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, Logistics, Delivery, and Finance.
• Ability to receive feedback, apply coaching, and continuously improve performance and work quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without employer sponsorship now or in the future (no F‑1 visa sponsorship).

Professional Development & Learning Opportunities

• Hands‑on experience in a high‑speed food manufacturing environment.
• Development focus on manufacturing leadership, communication, and working in a union environment.
• Direct collaboration with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, Logistics, Delivery, Finance, and senior site leadership.
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced manufacturing professionals.
• Ownership of value‑added projects that address real business needs.
• Opportunities to present project outcomes and recommendations to site leadership and corporate stakeholders.

Schedule

January 4 – June 25, 2027; Full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Pay

$31.00 per hour, paid bi‑weekly, plus a $5,000 sign‑on bonus paid within 30 days of employment.

Company Overview

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice, mixers, and coffee. Iconic brands include Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato®, Core Hydration®, Keurig® single‑serve brewing system, Peet’s, L’OR, Jacobs, and others. The company employs over 50,000 people and aims to enhance every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet. KDP strives to be an employer of choice, offering a culture and opportunities that empower growth and development, robust benefits, and employee programs supporting health, wellness, and professional growth.