Packaging Engineer Co-Op

Promega Corporation; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Promega Corporation’s Packaging Engineering team in Madison, WI seeks a co-op to support packaging design, materials, and processes from concept through implementation. You will investigate dispensing and packaging operations focusing on quality, cost, throughput, efficiency, and overall resource utilization, while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The program runs June 2027 through December 2027 with some start/end date flexibility, offering hands-on work in prototype production, CAD

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with technical accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Prototype Production: manage in-house prototype demand and operate the Zund cutting machine.
• Design Support: assist development of packaging designs using CAD and prototyping methods.
• Testing & Validation: perform packaging tests (drop, vibration, environmental) and document results.
• Regulatory & Labeling Compliance: support creation/review of packaging and labeling for FDA/ISO compliance.
• Continuous Improvement: identify material optimization opportunities and support cost reduction/sustainability projects.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: coordinate with suppliers and internal teams for materials and specifications.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Technology adeptness

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Packaging

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

OUR TEAM: The Packaging Engineering team consists of engineers with varied industry experience and lengths of service providing you with a great ability to both learn and share your experience with others. We also rotate through 2 co-ops each year who help keep our on-site prototype and testing lab moving. We work with a broad range of packaging from bottles, caps, vials, and tubes for reagent packaging to foam and corrugated for instrument packaging. We have full design and prototyping capabilities for all materials in-house.

YOUR ROLE:

Support the development of packaging designs, materials, and processes, and recommend improvements from concept through implementation. Contribute to the investigation and analysis of existing dispensing and packaging operations, with a focus on continuous improvement in quality, cost, throughput, efficiency, workflow, and overall resource utilization.

*This Co-op will start in June 2027 and finish in December 2027. There is some flexibility regarding start and end dates.

CORE DUTIES:

• Prototype Production: Manage and operate the in-house prototype demand, including programming and running the Zund cutting machine to produce secondary packaging prototypes that meet kit packaging requirements and timelines.
• Design Support: Assist in the development and modification of packaging designs for life science products using CAD tools and prototyping methods.
• Testing & Validation: Perform packaging performance tests such as drop, vibration, and environmental conditioning, and document results to support validation efforts.
• Regulatory & Labeling Compliance: Support the creation and review of packaging and labeling components to ensure alignment with FDA, ISO, and other regulatory requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in cost reduction and sustainability projects by identifying material optimization opportunities and supporting process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to source materials, obtain specifications, and assist in packaging implementation activities.
• Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
• Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega's 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
• Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven track record of contributing effectively in team settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to clarity and technical accuracy.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other standard office productivity tools.
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with the development and application of engineering or drafting standards.
• Experience using document management systems or related software platforms (e.g., PLM, ERP).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to safely work in a production environment around automated and semi-automated equipment.
• Ability to perform standard office duties at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in a lab environment with chemical and biological materials.
• Willing to travel by car or air for site visits or events, including occasional overnight stays.
• Capability to lift and handle up to 30 pounds as needed for materials or packaging samples.

At Promega, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating a culture where everyone belongs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that employment decisions are made fairly and equitably.