Winter 2027 Co-op - Process Engineer

Keurig Dr Pepper; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Winter 2027 Process Engineer Co-op to support manufacturing operations and process improvements. You will learn coffee roasting, grinding, degassing, and packaging while analyzing data to drive performance and safety enhancements.

The role runs January 4 to May 21, 2027, with a 40-hour work week, Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm. You must be work authorized in the U.S. and enrolled in an applicable engineering program.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate enrolled in full-time program in a relevant engineering field.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills required.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience working cross-functionally to develop solutions and drive process improvements.
• Learn coffee production processes including roasting, grinding, degassing, and packaging.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Create and present project updates communicating findings and results.
• Use structured problem-solving methods to drive root cause analysis.
• Interact with interns and operators to learn day-to-day operations.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Process improvement

Communication

Coffee processing knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

Chemical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

Winter 2027 Co-op - Process Engineer As a Process Engineer Co-op at KDP in our Knoxville, TN site, you will gain hands‑on experience supporting manufacturing operations and process improvement. You will work alongside the operations teams to analyze processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and support projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall performance. This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit.

Shift/Schedule

The KDP Winter 2027 Co-op Program runs from January 4th - May 21st, 2027

Location

Knoxville, TN

Full-time; 40 hours per week

Monday-Friday 8:00am until 5:00pm

As a Process Engineer Co-op you will:

• Gain experience working cross‑functionally with others to develop the best solutions to problems and drive process improvements.
• Learn the overall process of preparing coffee to be packaged, including roasting, grinding, degassing, and other key processes.
• Analyze process and production data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and potential solutions to improve overall performance.
• Create and present project updates and presentations that clearly communicate findings, progress, recommendations, and results.
• Use structured problem‑solving, 5 why, fishbone, etc. to drive to root cause on issues.
• Spend time interacting with other interns and operators to build relationships, learn from their experiences, and gain a better understanding of the day‑to‑day operations within the facility.

Elements of the KDP 2027 Co‑op Program include:

• Engaging and partnering on innovative projects to gain experience in a fast paced, cross functional team environment
• Receive mentor support for your professional development
• Participate in meet & greets and lunch & learns with KDP executives and other organization leaders
• Receive professional development training such as networking, professional skills development and presenting
• Complete a project from start to finish and present it and your takeaways to your team, department, and senior leaders to highlight your project work and impact on the business

Total Rewards

$31/hr Paid bi‑weekly $5,000 sign‑on bonus, paid within first 30 days of employment

Requirements

• Undergraduate currently enrolled in a full time academic program from an accredited college or university studying Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and or Mechanical Engineering.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize requests, and meet deadlines
• Strong communication skills including excellent listening, written, and verbal abilities
• Ability to work cross‑functionally, be independently driven, and adapt to changes
• Data Analysis - Analyze production and process data to identify trends, problems, and opportunities for improvement.
• Problem Solving - Use structured problem‑solving methods to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
• Process Improvement - Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall process performance.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration - Work with operators, maintenance, quality, engineering, and leadership to solve problems and implement improvements.
• Communication - Clearly communicate project updates, findings, and recommendations to different levels of the organization.
• Technical Skills - Develop an understanding of coffee roasting, grinding, degassing, packaging, and related manufacturing processes.

Please Note

You must be work authorized in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to F-1 (student) visa holders who require sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full‑time basis. We incorporate HireVue, an automated interview tool, into our campus recruitment process. Please visit this link to learn more about HireVue and how to prepare. *We recommend checking with your campus career center for additional preparation resources such as InterviewStream, Big Interview and more.

Company Overview

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott's®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet's, L'OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet. We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well‑being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that's proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Will you join us? Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure

KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles. AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.