Winter 2027 Co-op - Process Engineer (Knoxville, TN)

Keurig Dr Pepper; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid bi-weekly

Sign-on bonus

Competitive hourly pay

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper is seeking a Winter 2027 Process Engineer Co-op in Knoxville, TN. You will work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supporting operational plans, TPM/Lean initiatives, and data-driven improvements.

You will gain experience with DMS, Kaizen events, and cross-functional collaboration while delivering safety, quality, and cost targets. This internship runs January–December 2027 at the Knoxville plant, with a full-time schedule (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm) and in-person work.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student in a full-time program in a manufacturing-related field.
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills required.
• Experience with Lean, TPM, Kaizen or continuous improvement a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of operational plans and projects, including DMS for day-to-day operations.
• Assist TPM implementation and Lean activities; participate in improvement events.
• Support daily manufacturing ops to meet safety, quality, production and cost targets.
• Prepare standard reports for communication up to senior management.
• Contribute to problem solving and cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Lean

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Chemical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing-related field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Job Overview

Winter 2027 Co-op – Process Engineer (Knoxville, TN)

As a Process Engineer Co-op at Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), you will be a part of the beverage revolution. You will be working in a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment that produces some of KDP’s most popular beverages. Each co-op will lead high-impact projects and will be provided with opportunities to grow professionally. Come learn what it takes to succeed at an industry-leading company and help contribute to our ongoing success.

The KDP 2027 Winter program will run from January – December 2027 and this position will be based in our Knoxville, TN Plant.

Shift/Schedule

• Full-time; 40 hours per week
• Monday-Friday
• 8:00am until 5:00pm
• In-person

As a Process Engineer Co-op you will:

• Gain knowledge in executing operational plans and projects, including DMS (Daily Management Systems) for day-to-day operations, new equipment startups, and innovative product qualifications.
• Assist with TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) implementation and Lean activities, including participation in Continuous Improvement or Kaizen events and developing, implementing and improving autonomous and preventive maintenance workstreams.
• Support daily manufacturing operations to deliver targeted safety, quality, production, and cost results.
• Prepare standard reports/documentation to communicate results to all levels including senior management.
• Undertake and successfully complete simple or basic project development tasks to include any of the following: writing and/or verifying specifications, maintaining product/process documentation, testing processes, equipment, raw materials and product, and validating equipment and processes.
• Be a contributor to problem solving, cost reduction, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze downtime data and maintain action plans using lean methodology.
• Collect and calculate savings data on improvement projects.
• Recommend methods for improving efficiency and reducing waste of materials and utilities.
• Balance work priorities to meet the day-to-day requirements of the Plant business teams.

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 student currently enrolled in a full-time academic program from an accredited college or university, majoring in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanicnal Engineering, Supply Chain or another Manufacturing-related field
• 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
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau is a plus

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.

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. 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. If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly [e-mail] lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words 'AI Opt-Out' and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.