Packaging Engineer 6-month Co-Op

Scope of Position

The responsibility of the Pkg Eng Intern is to learn and apply packaging best practices and processes to the set given projects for the COC Packaging program. Receive on-the-job training on overall packaging strategies and processes through work assignments.

The purpose of this position is to collaborate, design, validate and provide support on packaging solutions that encompass 3 key areas around cost savings, sustainability, and adding value to innovation solutions for Corning’s customers.  All these areas are integral parts of the COC Packaging Program within Corning and include the standardization and optimization of existing packaging solutions to deliver improvements in cost, capability, and quality, and providing manufacturing and commercial support for packaging related issues.  The Packaging Intern will collaborate with global packaging engineers, along with internal and external partners to identify appropriate packaging materials and validate packaging designs that meet specifications and customer requirements.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Apply packaging engineering fundamentals to support assigned projects across the Corning Optical Communications packaging program during a six-month internship assignment.
• Assist packaging engineers with the design, evaluation, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Support packaging cost, quality, sustainability, and capability improvement initiatives by helping assess material usage, manufacturing impact, transportation efficiency, and total cost of packaging.
• Participate in packaging testing and validation activities, including fit, form, function, handling, distribution, and product protection assessments to help ensure package reliability.
• Collect, organize, and analyze packaging data to support engineering recommendations, design changes, cost savings assessments, Sphera packaging emissions calculations and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including packaging specifications, test reports, project summaries, drawings, bill-of-material inputs, Packaging weight and emissions reduction tracking and process change support materials.
• Collaborate with global packaging engineers, manufacturing teams, quality, logistics, sourcing, product line management and commercial partners to support packaging-related proposal, resolving quality issues and project deliverables.
• Engage with packaging material suppliers and solution providers to research materials, request samples, compare options, and support development of practical packaging solutions.
• Demonstrate strong professionalism, taking initiative, technical curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly while contributing to packaging projects that support customer value, operational efficiency, and business objectives.

Requirements

• Pursuing a degree in Packaging Engineering or of a comparable discipline acceptable
• Experience with a previous packaging internship is a plus.
• Takes initiative and demonstrates strong commitment
• Analyzes information and solves problems effectively
• Adapts to changing priorities
• Works independently in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Communicates effectively across teams

Desired Skills

• Basic knowledge of corrugate and plastic packaging materials
• Project management exposure
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated, strong initiative
• Fluent in English
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Able to work in a team environment
• Strong technical curiosity