Packaging Engineer Intern/Co-Op

Colgate; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Disability coverage

Vacation/PTO days

13 paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Hill's Pet Nutrition, a Hill's/Colgate-Palmolive unit, is seeking a Packaging Engineering Intern/Co-op in Topeka, KS. You will support packaging development from concept to scale-up, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and help ensure packaging meets cost, performance, and quality targets.

The role emphasizes data analysis, technical reporting, and hands-on testing in a dynamic packaging environment, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and learning.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in a closely related technical field
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with CAD or packaging-related software is a plus

Responsibilities

• Assist packaging engineers in driving packaging projects to closure from concept through commercialization
• Contribute to project documentation, timelines, and progress updates
• Support life cycle assessment (LCA) on packaging solutions and provide recommendations
• Collaborate with Product Development, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, and other groups to identify and develop packaging technologies
• Help ensure packaging targets cost, usage, manufacturability, and compatibility with formulations
• Prepare and present clear technical summaries, packaging concepts, and test results to stakeholders
• Develop written reports, slide presentations, and supporting documentation
• Support packaging development through pilot and manufacturing scale-up
• Coordinate with Quality, Product Development, and manufacturing teams on specifications and design
• Monitor and conduct package testing (stability, transit, drop, etc.) and analyze data

Job description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Travel Required?: No Travel

Posting Start Date: 9/21/26

Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#176250 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Position Summary

The Packaging Engineering Intern/Co-op will support the development, qualification, and implementation of packaging solutions for pet food products at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to deliver consumer-centric packaging that meets performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Assist packaging engineers in driving packaging projects to closure from concept through commercialization. Contribute to project documentation, timelines, and progress updates.

Support LCA (Life cycle assessment) on packaging solutions and provide recommendations.

Cross-functional collaboration: Work with Product Development, Marketing,Design, Supply Chain, and other functional groups to identify and develop packaging technologies.

Help ensure solutions meet key attributes such as cost targets, consumer usage/functionality, manufacturability, and compatibility of materials with product formulations.

Technical communication and reporting

Prepare and present clear technical summaries, packaging concepts, test results, and business impact to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Develop written reports, slide presentations, and supporting documentation.

Packaging development, scale-up, and technology transfer

Support packaging development through pilot and manufacturing scale-up.

Partner with Quality, Product Development, and manufacturing site teams to: Ensure packaging equipment/material system specifications, functionality, and design are appropriate for intended use.

Confirm that packaging maintains product integrity and visual appeal under various shipping, handling, and display conditions.

Testing, analysis, and recommendations

Monitor and/or conduct package testing (e.g., stability, transit, drop, compression, sealing, etc.).

Analyze test data and prepare reports including conclusions and recommendations for design or process changes.

Case/cube information, cost estimates, and savings estimates

Laboratory and equipment understanding

Develop a working knowledge of Packaging Laboratory test equipment and capabilities.

Learn and apply standard operating procedures for equipment use and data collection.

Education & Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in:

Or a closely related technical field

Minimum GPA : 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with CAD or packaging-related software is a plus

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $26.00 - $38.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.