R&D Packaging Co-Op 2025

 

As the world leader in nutrition, health and wellness for children from birth to preschool, Gerber Products Company is committed to creating a strong future. We joined the Nestlé Nutrition family in 2007, and have been a partner in parenthood ever since. Our Anything for Baby team works closely with experts to create products that enrich and establish healthy habits for children, and are good for the planet as well. A career at Gerber provides meaningful opportunities to develop professionally, and nurture generations to come. Now is the time to define your future, and ours too.

 

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

 

 

 

 

What to expect:  

At Nestlé, we offer a paid, 6-month co-op program in Packaging during a school semester; Fall 2025 (June-December).  Our Packaging team leads all aspects of the entire development process, from design to manufacturing. Students are given real-life responsibilities through involvement in various activities, initiatives, and the chance to lead their own major projects.  The projects will vary in complexity and provide good exposure to a wide range of packaging materials and technologies.  

 

We give students the opportunity to assist in the development and industrialization of new packaging launches, sustainability initiatives, quality improvements, cost optimization, and improved line efficiency efforts. You may also have exposure to different experiences and projects. These may include factory visits, qualifying materials or molds, leading a line trial, performing laboratory testing, developing protocols, creating technical reports and/or attending trade shows. In addition, these individuals will provide technical assistance to various internal departments to support business goals and will interact with Nestlé factory staff, internal customers as well as external vendors. 

 

 This program is designed to develop future professionals for our Packaging function.  We are looking for individuals with the right mix of talent and enthusiasm with shown leadership skills, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work in a team setting. 

 

Key Outputs:  

• Lead sustainability and productivity initiatives to help reduce material usage of existing packaging platforms by identifying, testing, and qualifying alternate materials or processes  

• Lead laboratory evaluations and testing. Drive the validation of new test methods to enhance operational efficiency. Conduct data analysis, producing detailed reports and technical conclusions that guide strategic decisions and project advancements.

• Manage and execute exploratory projects, including competitive assessments and research studies, based on identified concepts to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

• Develop protocols and conduct extensive testing to evaluate product and package performance in a real-world environment  
• Design a new package format for different channels of trade (e.g., Club stores, Value, Grocery, and E-commerce)  
• Assist in preparation of documentation and specifications for packaging materials  
• Job Assignments will be based in either a corporate site or a manufacturing site for the duration of the co-op 

 

Locations: 

Fremont, MI - Nestlé Nutrition (Gerber)  

 

 

Requirements: 

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program with a focus on Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, or another related field (i.e. Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science) during the 6-month co-op program 

 

Knowledge and Skills:  

• Effective communication skills  
• Analytical skills for data tracking and results analysis