Packaging R&D Intern (Summer 2027)

Post Holdings, Inc.; Lakeville (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Subsidized housing

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Networking opportunities

Free cereal and more

Job summary

Post Consumer Brands in Lakeville, MN is seeking a Packaging R&D Engineer Intern for a 13-week Summer 2027 program. You will work with packaging engineers and cross-functional partners to support packaging innovation and commercialization.

You'll gain hands-on experience in packaging design, testing and manufacturing trials while collaborating on cost savings and quality improvements for iconic cereal and pet food brands.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's in Packaging Science/Engineering or related engineering field with expected graduation 2027–2028.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment; desire to start a career with Post.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Support packaging innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization from concept to commercialization.
• Plan and execute laboratory and manufacturing trials; evaluate materials and designs.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams on development and project execution.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Packaging Science / Packaging Engineering

Job description

Business Unit Overview

Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., is dedicated to providing people and their pets with delicious food choices for every taste and budget. The company's portfolio includes beloved brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats™, PEBBLES™, Grape-Nuts™ and Malt-O-Meal™ cereal and Peter Pan™ peanut butter, as well as Rachael Ray® Nutrish™, Kibbles 'n Bits™ and 9Lives™ dog and cat food. Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and granola. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make lives better by making delicious food accessible for all. For more information about our brands, visit www.postconsumerbrands.com and follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook for the latest news.

Location Description

Post Consumer Brands corporate headquarters in Lakeville, Minnesota, is about 20 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Lakeville has all the benefits of smaller town living with access to everything a large metropolitan area has to offer. Join more than 400 team members collaborating on the two-building campus to help put breakfast on the tables of millions of consumers in North America.

Responsibilities

Launch your career with one of the nation's leading consumer packaged goods companies.

Interested in developing innovative packaging solutions for iconic cereal and pet food brands?

Looking to gain hands‑on experience in packaging development, commercialization, and manufacturing within a dynamic consumer packaged goods organization? Post Consumer Brands is seeking a Packaging R&D Engineer Intern to join our team for a 13‑week internship during Summer 2027.

As an intern, you'll work alongside packaging engineers and cross‑functional partners to support packaging innovation, quality improvements, cost savings initiatives, and commercialization projects. You'll gain experience in packaging design, testing, manufacturing trials, and supplier collaboration while building the skills needed for a successful career in Packaging Research & Development.

Join us in delivering our purpose: To make lives better by making delicious food accessible for all.

What You'll Do

As a member of our Packaging R&D team, you'll help develop and improve packaging solutions that support product quality, operational efficiency, and consumer needs. Depending on business needs and your interests, you may have opportunities to:

• Support packaging innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization projects from concept through commercialization


• Plan and execute laboratory and manufacturing trials, evaluate packaging materials and designs, and analyze results to develop recommendations


• Partner with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to support packaging development, testing, and project execution

Specific projects are determined prior to the internship based on business needs and intern interests.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, or a related engineering field with an expected graduation date of December 2027, Spring 2028, or Summer 2028


• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills with an interest in packaging development, manufacturing, and innovation


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment; previous packaging, engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, or internship experience is preferred


• Interest in the consumer packaged goods/manufacturing industry and the desire to start a career with Post Consumer Brands after graduation is strongly preferred; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship

Additional Program Information & Perks

• Competitive compensation, subsidized housing, and relocation assistance for eligible students


• Access to professional development, networking, and social activities while gaining exposure to Packaging R&D leaders and cross‑functional teams


• Opportunity to be considered for future full‑time opportunities upon graduation, plus free cereal, oatmeal, milk, coffee, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow interns and teammates

Compensation for this role is $25.00 per hour.

This role will be posted until October 4, 2026.