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

gsknch; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Haleon in Richmond, VA, is offering a Packaging Co‑Op to support innovation and sustainability projects under guidance from an R&D Packaging Manager. You will gain hands-on experience across materials, design, testing, prototyping, and pilot-scale operations while developing technical expertise in consumer healthcare packaging.

You’ll work with packaging professionals, scientists, and engineers to tackle open-ended problems, collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a technical field related to packaging.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Curious, proactive, and able to learn quickly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Packaging Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science

Industrial Design

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

CAD

3D Modeling

Job description

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.

Working alongside packaging professionals, scientists, and engineers, you'll contribute to solving real-world technical challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation. We welcome students from packaging, mechanical engineering, materials science, polymer science, industrial design, and related technical disciplines who are curious, self-motivated, and excited to tackle open-ended problems.

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 th