Packaging Engineer Co-Op

Job Description

About company

Mars, Incorporated is a global, family-owned business with over a century of history, driven by the core belief that “the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.” It is committed to being a socially responsible enterprise and making a positive impact on the world.

The company operates across a diverse and expanding portfolio, including Confectionery, Food, and Petcare products and services. Its world-famous brands include:
• Confectionery: DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’S®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, SKITTLES®, and 5™.
• Food: BEN’S ORIGINAL™ and COCOAVIA®.
• Petcare: PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CAN®, WHISKAS®, and services like AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, and VCA™.

Mars employs over 140,000 dedicated Associates globally, generating $40 billion in annual sales. The company’s operations are guided by the Mars Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom, which inspire Associates to create a thriving world for the planet, its people, and pets. The Mars Compass measures progress towards this purpose.

Mars emphasizes empowering its Associates with freedom and tools to forge their own paths, build global relationships, and grow their careers with ample support and ongoing commitment to development. The company offers a hybrid work model, combining remote work benefits with in-person connection. Perks include a competitive salary & benefits package, fun freebies, and pet-friendly offices.

Job description

Job Title: Mars Wrigley Packaging Co-Op Experience / Packaging Engineer

The Mars Wrigley Packaging Co-Op Experience is a 7-month summer/fall program designed to provide in-depth experience with real-world Mars projects.

Key Responsibilities of a Packaging Engineer Co-Op:
• Lead and execute packaging innovation projects under the guidance of experienced packaging associates.
• Support ideating and realizing value leadership and cost savings goals related to packaging.
• Develop detailed packaging specifications to ensure quality materials and best value for money for all packaging components used across facilities, co-packers, and co-manufacturers.
• Perform packaging sustainability assignments to contribute to Mars Wrigley’s sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members, including product development, equipment engineering, activity management, finance, industrial engineering, and others.

What Mars is looking for (Qualifications):
• Agile students with a strong drive for results and a desire to learn.
• Ability to quickly build relationships within a professional environment.
• Passion for packaging and the consumer products industry.
• Preferred: Students currently earning a Packaging Engineering degree.
• Eligibility: Candidates must be able to intern the summer prior to their final graduation date.
• Work Authorization: Open to students legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for current or future work status authorization or visa sponsorship for employment.
• Employment Contingency: Successful completion of drug & background screening.
• Transportation: Eligible candidates are responsible for personal transportation to and from the worksite during the program.

What to expect from the Mars Internship/Co-Op Experience:
• Excellent depth of experience working on real business problems and opportunities.
• Exciting professional and social engagement activities providing networking opportunities with peers and senior leaders.
• Best-in-class training and development from Day 1, including a formal mentor, access to Mars University, and more.
• Ongoing coaching and mentorship to support success and maximize the experience.
• A hybrid work model that balances remote focus with in-person collaboration.
• Competitive salary & benefits package, fun freebies, and pet-friendly offices.
• Housing and relocation benefits may be available, varying based on eligibility and location, and will be shared by the Early Talent Manager.