About the role#
The North America R&D Packaging team at Haleon develops packaging solutions and explores technologies to improve consumer experiences. As a Packaging Co-Op based in Richmond, Virginia, you will support innovation and sustainability projects under the guidance of an R&D Packaging Manager. You will gain hands-on experience across packaging materials, product design, testing, prototyping, and pilot-scale operations. This role involves contributing to the full packaging development process, from understanding consumer needs through technical evaluation.
What you'll do#
- Research and evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and formats.
- Support innovation and sustainability initiatives across consumer healthcare product categories.
- Assist with prototype development, testing, and technical evaluation of packaging concepts.
- Evaluate the performance of primary and secondary packaging components.
- Explore product-packaging interactions and support product stability assessments.
- Gather and apply consumer insights to improve packaging experiences.
- Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and cross-functional partners to prototype and test new ideas.
- Gain hands-on experience supporting activities in a pilot plant environment.
- Document findings and communicate technical recommendations to project teams.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related technical field.
- Junior, Senior, or Graduate student status.
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Exposure to CAD, 3D modeling, engineering design, or related technical coursework.
- Interest in packaging development, sustainability, innovation, or consumer products.
Location & details#
- Location: Richmond, Virginia.
- Term: Winter 2027 (starts January 2027).
- Duration: 6 months.
- Work Modality: On-site (4-5 days per week).
- Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).
- Compensation: Paid position based on academic standing.
- Sponsorship: Not provided; must be authorized to work in the United States.
About Haleon
Haleon is a public company based in London that focuses on consumer health products. It was founded in 2022. The company manufactures items like Sensodyne and Centrum. It employs over 18,000 people.
How to get in at Haleon
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at Haleon, as recruiters often review candidates before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you get your materials in among the first. Reaching out to the right people often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind Haleon roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral.
