2027 Co-Op: R&D Packaging (6 months, Jan. start)

Haleon plc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Haleon plc. in Richmond, Virginia is seeking a Packaging Co-Op to gain hands-on experience across packaging materials, design, testing, and pilot-scale operations within North America R&D Packaging.

You will support innovation and sustainability initiatives, work under an R&D Packaging Manager, and collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to prototype and evaluate concepts. This paid, full-time program runs for six months, requires 40 hours/week, and starts January 2027, with

Qualifications

• Enrolled in Bachelor's or Master's in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Curious, takes initiative, and eager to learn.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and formats.
• Support innovation and sustainability initiatives across consumer healthcare categories.
• Assist with prototype development, testing, and evaluation of packaging concepts.
• Evaluate performance of primary and secondary packaging components.
• Analyze product-packaging interactions and support stability assessments.
• Gather consumer insights to improve packaging experiences.
• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and cross-functional teams to prototype and test ideas.
• Gain hands-on experience in a pilot plant environment.
• Document findings and communicate technical recommendations to project teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Willingness to learn

Education

Packaging Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

CAD

3D Modeling

Engineering Design

Job description

Welcome to Haleon. We’re a purpose-driven, world-class consumer company putting everyday health in the hands of millions. In just three years since our launch, we’ve grown, evolved and are now entering an exciting new chapter – one filled with bold ambitions and enormous opportunity.

Our trusted portfolio of brands – including Sensodyne®, Panadol®, Advil®, Voltaren®, Theraflu®, Otrivin®, and Centrum® – lead in resilient and growing categories. What sets us apart is our unique blend of deep human understanding and trusted science.

Now it’s time to fully realise the full potential of our business and our people. We do this through our Win as One strategy. It puts our purpose – to deliver better everyday health with humanity – at the heart of everything we do. It unites us, inspires us, and challenges us to be better every day, driven by our agile, performance-focused culture.

About the Role

North America R&D Packaging at Haleon is a diverse team with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Our team focuses on delivering innovative packaging solutions, advancing sustainable packaging, and exploring emerging technologies that improve consumer experiences across some of the world’s leading consumer health brands, including Sensodyne, Advil, Centrum, Tums, Theraflu, and Flonase.

As a Packaging Co-Op based in Richmond, Virginia, you will support innovation and sustainability projects under the guidance of an R&D Packaging Manager. You'll gain hands‑on experience across packaging materials, product design, testing, prototyping, and pilot‑scale operations while developing technical expertise in packaging development for consumer healthcare products. This role offers exposure to the full packaging development process, from understanding consumer and product needs through technical development and evaluation.

What You’ll Do

• Research and evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and formats.
• Support innovation and sustainability initiatives across consumer healthcare product categories.
• Assist with prototype development, testing, and technical evaluation of packaging concepts.
• Evaluate the performance of primary and secondary packaging components.
• Explore product‑packaging interactions and support product stability assessments.
• Gather and apply consumer insights to improve packaging experiences.
• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and cross‑functional partners to prototype and test new ideas.
• Gain hands‑on experience supporting activities in a pilot plant environment.
• Document findings and communicate technical recommendations to project teams.

Essential Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related technical field.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Junior, Senior, or Graduate student status.
• Exposure to CAD, 3D modeling, engineering design, or related technical coursework.
• Interest in packaging development, sustainability, innovation, or consumer products.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Eligibility and Program Requirements

• This Co Op requires working at the designated location. Candidates requiring relocation are responsible for arranging and funding their own housing, transportation, and relocation needs.
• Candidate must be able to work full‑time (40 hours/ week) Monday‑Friday ~8am-5pm for 6 months.
• Candidate must be authorized to work in the United States and will not require sponsorship in the future. Work authorization documentation will be required during the application process.
• The position is based in Richmond, requiring an in‑office presence of 4‑5 days per week

Expected start date: Jan. 2027

Compensation for this Co Op is based on academic standing and degree program

• Freshman: $20.00/hour
• Sophomore: $22.50/hour
• Junior: $24.50/hour
• Senior: $26.00/hour
• Master's Student (Non-Engineering): $28.00/hour
• Master's Student (Engineering): $30.00/hour

Job Posting End Date

2026-11-14

Equal Opportunities

Haleon are committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents the diverse consumers and communities who rely on our brands every day. It guides us in creating an inclusive culture, where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected – all in support of understanding and best serving the needs of our consumers and unleashing the full potential of our people. It’s important to us that Haleon is a place where all our employees feel they truly belong.

During the application process, we may ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. This information ensures we meet certain regulatory and reporting obligations and supports the development, refinement, and execution of our inclusion and belonging programmes that are open to all Haleon employees.

The personal information you provide will be kept confidential, used only for legitimate business purposes, and will never be used in making any employment decisions, including hiring decisions.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, Haleon may be required to capture and report expenses Haleon incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure Haleon’s compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements.

Accommodation Requests

If you require a reasonable accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at Haleon at any stage of the application process, please contact us by sending an email to [e-mail]. Please include the following in your email:

• Use subject line: ‘Haleon Careers: Job Accommodation Request’
• Your Name and contact information
• Requisition ID and Job Title you are interested in
• Location of Requisition (city/state or province/country)
• Description of specific accommodation you are requesting

Please note: Resumes, CVs, or other requests outside of accommodation support submitted to this email box will not be accepted.

Note to candidates

The Haleon recruitment team will contact you using a Haleon email account (@haleon.com). If you are not sure whether the email you received is from Haleon, please get in touch.