Packaging Engineer Co-Op 2027

TreeHouse Foods; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) program

Job summary

TreeHouse Foods is seeking two Packaging Engineer Co‑Op students for our Oak Brook, IL office. Roles run January 2027–June 2027 and June 2027–December 2027, focusing on designing, developing, validating, and implementing new packaging solutions and cost-saving initiatives.

You will work with Packaging Engineering and R&D teams, gaining hands-on exposure to packaging development, cross-functional collaboration, and the commercialization process across multiple packaging materials.

Qualifications

• 2 years completed in college packaging curriculum & currently enrolled in that curriculum.
• Experience with OPS/CAPE software or equipment preferred.
• Ability to interact and collaborate with RDI groups, external resources, suppliers and consultants to achieve project objectives.
• Aptitude for project management, negotiation and technical team management skills.
• Proficient written and verbal communications skills.
• Solid problem-solving skills through collaboration and application of technical skills.
• Basic understanding and experience with paperboard, corrugate, film, plastics and glass packaging materials.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical assignments of simple to moderate complexity under supervision.
• Collaborates with RDI groups to achieve project objectives.
• Research packaging specifications, in-process control points and testing requirements.
• Provide technical oversight of cross-functional project teams and manufacturing start‑ups.
• Participates in tests, data collection and analysis for new products.
• Assist in packaging projects including innovation, cost savings, quality improvements, and operations support.
• Develop skills in project management, negotiation and technical team leadership.

Skills

Packaging design

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Paperboard packaging

Materials knowledge

Education

Packaging curriculum

Tools

OPS/CAPE software

Job description

Employee Type: Full time Location: IL Oak Brook Job Type: Administration Job Posting Title: Packaging Engineer Co-Op 2027

TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged foods and beverages, operating a network of over 20 production facilities and several corporate offices across the United States and Canada. At TreeHouse Foods, our commitment to excellence extends beyond our products and revolves around our people. We are investing in talent and creating a performance-based culture where employees can do their best work and develop their careers, directly impacting our mission to make high quality, affordable food for our customers, communities, and families. We hope you will consider joining the team and being part of our future.

Named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes Magazine, we are proud to live by a strong set of values and strive to "Engage and Delight – One Customer at a Time." Guided by our values—Own It, Commit to Excellence, Be Agile, Speak Up, and Better Together. We are a diverse team driven by integrity, accountability, and a commitment to exceptional results. We embrace change, prioritize continuous learning, and foster collaboration, transparency, and healthy debate. Together, we set each other up for success to achieve enterprise-wide goals.

What You Gain

• Leaders who are invested in supporting your accelerated career growth
• An inclusive working environment where you can build meaningful work relationships with a diverse group of professionals.
• Take advantage of opportunities to build on our team-oriented culture, such as joining one of our Employee Resource Groups.
• 401(k) program, if eligible

Job Description

About the Opportunity

TreeHouse Foods is seeking two Packaging Engineer Co‑Op students to support the Packaging Engineering and Research & Development teams at our Oak Brook, IL corporate office. One co‑op position will run from January 2027 through June 2027, and the second will run from June 2027 through December 2027. In this role, students will assist with the design, development, validation, and implementation of new packaging solutions, line extensions, product improvements, cost savings initiatives, and technical service projects. The co‑op experience will provide hands‑on exposure to packaging development and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative packaging solutions that support TreeHouse Foods’ business objectives.

Key Responsibilities and Opportunities

Performs technical assignments of simple to moderate complexity under supervision (technical soundness and overall objective achievement). Level of supervision will begin at a high level and decrease over time.

Collaborates with RDI groups to achieve project objectives.

Research information for and issue packaging specifications, in‑process control points and establish testing requirements and operating guidelines.

Learn and provide technical knowledge on cross‑functional project teams and technical oversight of internal and external manufacturing start‑ups and ongoing technical service.

Participates in tests, collection, and analysis of data on new products.

Assist in the execution of packaging projects, including innovation, sustainability, cost savings, quality improvements, operations support, and some new product development. There will be exposure to the different stages of the commercialization process for these projects as well.

Begin to develop skills in project management, negotiation, communication, technical problem solving, as well as begin to further develop technical skills.

Qualifications

2 years completed in college packaging curriculum & currently enrolled in that curriculum.

Experience with special software or equipment such as OPS/CAPE is preferred.

Ability to interact and collaborate with RDI groups, external resources, suppliers and consultants to achieve project objectives.

Aptitude for project management, negotiation and technical team management skills.

Proficient written and verbal communications skills.

Solid problem‑solving skills through collaboration and application of technical skills.

Basic understanding and experience with paperboard, corrugate, film, plastics and glass packaging materials.

Important Details

The anticipated compensation for this position is $23-$24 per hour. This is the salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue‑based metrics and business or organizational needs. For certain roles, the successful candidate may be eligible for annual discretionary merit compensation award, bonus and equity pay.

This position is based in our Oak Brook, IL office, on a hybrid schedule. We are looking to fill two positions: January 2027 – June 2027 and June 2027 – December 2027.

At TreeHouse Foods, we embrace diversity and inclusion for innovation and growth. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable workplace for our employees to bring their true selves to work to help us “Engage and Delight – One Customer at a Time”. TreeHouse Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact disability‑[e-mail].

TreeHouse Foods is a private label food and beverage leader focused on customer brands and custom products. When customers partner with TreeHouse they can expect access to an industry‑leading portfolio, strategic vision, on‑trend innovation and insights, world‑class supply chain, operational excellence and flexibility, collaborative approaches, and dedicated customer service. Our strategy is to be the leading supplier of private label food and beverage products by providing the best balance of quality and cost to our customers. We engage with retail grocery, food away from home, and industrial and export customers, including most of the leading grocery retailers and foodservice operators in the United States and Canada. Our portfolio includes a variety of shelf‑stable, refrigerated, and snack products. Customers can expect comprehensive flavor profiles including natural, organic, and preservative‑free ingredients in many categories and packaging formats. TreeHouse Foods is best known for food and beverages produced by our two largest businesses Bay Valley Foods, LLC (including E.D. Smith and Sturm Foods) and TreeHouse Private Brands. With more than 10,000 employees in over 26 plants across the United States and Canada, TreeHouse Foods is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.

TreeHouse Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.