2024 R&D Packaging Co-Op

Job description

Overview

PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. From executives to leaders on the frontline, we’re excited about the future. We take chances. Together, we dare to make the world a better place. 

 

Our associates are the magic ingredient. Each of them plays an integral role in helping create deep connections between people and our products. Think about your last group celebration: Chances are, one of our iconic brands was by your side. At PepsiCo, you’re invited to be a part of a global team of innovators who make, move, and sell these products—which are enjoyed by more than 1 billion people a day. 

 

A career at PepsiCo means working in a culture where everyone’s invited. Here, you can dare to be yourself. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you can influence the people around you and the world at large. By showing up, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, develop, and grow our unique skill sets at work. Our supportive teams can fuel your professional goals to make a global impact.  

 
Join us. Dare for Better. 

 

Functional Description:  

At PepsiCo we offer traditional R&D Packaging Co-Op roles in the two R&D headquarter locations: Plano, TX and Valhalla, NY.; as well as Advanced Engineering and Design Co-Op roles (see pg. 2) in our Valhalla, NY Beverages R&D headquarters. Location preferences (if applicable) will be discussed in the interview process.    

 

What you can expect: Packaging Co-Op  

In this position you will contribute to channels specific project initiatives, such as package development and testing, results evaluation, conducting plant trials, developing pallet patterns, and coordinating with manufacturing plants and suppliers. 

 

Utilize critical thinking skills to plan and coordinate individual activities that contribute to project results: 

·  Identification of various packaging materials through individual understanding of necessary physical properties and applications, and coordination with vendors 
·  Coordinate and perform independent and team experiments in laboratory and manufacturing plants 
·  Presentation of project results and findings to leadership upon completion of internship 
·  Some travel to headquarters and manufacturing plants would be required (15-20%) 

Goal of Program:  

·  Enhance technical understanding of core packaging materials with exposure to industry relevant challenges 
·  Expand critical problem solving and decision make skills through development and execution of qualification plans 
·  Improve communication skills with interaction of cross-functional teams and leadership alignment 
·  Better understanding of consumer goods organization 

Example Projects:  

·  Development & qualification of new offerings for specific customers (Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club) 
·  Assessment of internal and external distribution systems of channels packaging 
·  Research & Benchmarking studies to identify “white space” for future packaging development opportunities 

 

What we’re looking for:   

·  Currently pursuing a degree in:  Packaging (other related majors will be considered) 
·  Course Requirements: Student must have completed 300 level courses (or equivalent based on specific school course guidelines) at minimum prior to beginning co-op 
·  Basic knowledge of packaging materials, package manufacturing processes, and distribution systems 
·  Capable of working in both individual and team settings 
·  Seeking highly energetic, creative, and motivated individuals 
·  Excellent communication and organizational skills 

 

·   
Responsibilities

What you can expect: Advanced Engineering and Design Co-Op  

In this position, you will contribute to specific project initiatives centered on Modelling & Simulation/virtual development; such as package design concept evaluation, digital platform development, process and performance simulation, material testing and characterization, supporting plant trials, and coordinating with manufacturing plants and suppliers.  

This is a 6 month co-op assignment with opportunities for either Fall (Jul-Dec) or Spring (Jan-Jun).  

  

Utilize critical thinking skills to plan and coordinate individual activities that contribute to project results:   

·  Utilize Modelling & Simulation (FEA), Virtual Analysis and Data Analytics, coupled with smart-instrumented physical testing to support packaging development for cross-functional teams to early screen beverage packaging design, conduct packaging light-weighting, optimize package or process design, and troubleshoot package or process design issues. 
·  Coordinate and perform independent and team experiments in laboratory and manufacturing plants 
·  Presentation of project results and findings to leadership upon completion of internship 
·  Some travel to headquarters and manufacturing plants would be required (15-20%) 

  

Goal of Program:    

·  Enhance technical understanding of Modelling & Simulation/Virtual Analysis coupled with data analytics and physical testing can help de-risk packaging development before large scale physical trial with exposure to industry-relevant challenges 
·  Expand critical problem solving and decision-making skills through development and execution of qualification plans 
·  Improve communication skills with interaction of cross-functional teams and leadership alignment 
·  Better understanding of consumer goods organization 

  

Example Projects:    

·  Early screen package design options in the ideation phase for beverage brands (such as Pure Leaf, Propel, Lipton) 
·  Conduct bottle light-weighting evaluation by using virtual analysis, data analytics and smart-instrumented physical testing 
·  Research & Benchmarking studies to identify “white space” for future packaging development opportunities 

  

 

What we’re looking for:    

·  Level: Advanced Junior, Senior, Graduate Student (all non-graduating)  
·  Major: Data Science, Polymer Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar  
·  Course Requirements:  Student must have completed 300 level courses (or equivalent based on specific school course guidelines) at minimum prior to beginning co-op 
·  Basic knowledge of FEA/Virtual Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, Polymer Science, and Data Analytics (prefer candidates with experience in Abaqus, ANSYS, SolidWorks, CATIA, Moldflow, Moldex3D, etc) 
·  Strong programming skills (preferably Python) will be highly valued 
·  Capable of working in both individual and team settings 
·  Seeking highly energetic, creative, and motivated individuals 
·  Excellent communication and organizational skills 
·   
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - Each candidate is expected to:   

·  Graduate with Bachelor’s or Master’s degree within one (1) year of co-op completion.  
·  Preference will be given to candidates with indefinite right to work in the United States 
EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

 

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

 

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available  EEO is the Law  &  EEO is the Law Supplement  documents. View  PepsiCo EEO Policy .

 

·  The expected compensation hourly pay ranges for hires into our 2024 campus Co-Op openings is $20.50 - $39.60/hour 
·  Role, degree discipline, degree level, and location are part of the process when determining actual starting salary for positions  
·  Hourly pay for our campus hires is pre-determined and non-negotiable  
·  We love to convert our Co-Ops to full time opportunities! Our full time positions have a comprehensive benefits package that include: 
·  Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement. In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 

 

 Please view our  Pay Transparency Statement