Sustainability Packaging Engineer Intern

Sustainability Packaging Engineer Intern

Location: Pregis IQ – Aurora, IL
Reports to: Sr. Manager, Packaging Services
Duration: 6 months

About Pregis

Pregis LLC, through its state-of-the-art Pregis IQ facility, is a customer-driven provider of innovative protective packaging materials, equipment systems, development and testing services, and surface protection solutions. As a material-neutral partner, Pregis collaborates with customers to design and deliver tailored packaging strategies that meet performance, sustainability, and business goals. We proudly serve a wide range of industries including food, healthcare, medical devices, agriculture, e-commerce, retail, automotive, transportation, furniture, electronics, building/construction, and aerospace/defense.

For more information, visit www.pregis.com.

About Pregis IQ

Pregis IQ is the global innovation headquarters of Pregis, dedicated to advancing packaging design, sustainability, and customer education. Our team of engineers leverages state-of-the-art equipment and world-class testing facilities to create forward-thinking packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact while maximizing product protection and efficiency.

About the Role

The Sustainability Packaging Engineer Intern will gain hands-on experience working in a consultative engineering environment, using world-class equipment and testing facilities to support Pregis customers. This individual will work alongside a team of packaging engineers to design, test, and evaluate sustainable packaging solutions across a wide range of applications.

The internship emphasizes real-world exposure, skill development, and professional growth. Interns will participate directly in packaging projects for top brands, learning how to balance performance, cost, and sustainability in packaging design.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with packaging engineers to design and develop innovative, sustainable packaging solutions tailored to client needs.
• Conduct distribution and performance testing in our ISTA-certified lab.
• Assist in creating technical packaging analysis reports and client deliverables.
• Support the production of prototypes and samples using SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, and CAD cutting systems.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining timelines and deliverables.
• Engage with cross-functional teams—including sales, marketing, and clients—to deliver optimal packaging solutions.
• Gain exposure to packaging materials, protective solutions, and sustainability strategies across diverse industries.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, or a related field.
• Junior or Senior standing preferred.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills; comfortable communicating in both team and client-facing settings.
• Familiarity with CAD and packaging software (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, AutoCAD, Cape/TOPS, etc.) preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Passion for sustainability and interest in applying innovative solutions to real-world packaging challenges.

Why Join Us?

As a Sustainability Packaging Engineer Intern at Pregis, you will:

• Work in a world-class packaging innovation center with exposure to advanced testing and design tools.
• Build consulting and problem-solving skills by working directly with clients on packaging challenges.
• Develop real-world engineering and business experience through hands-on project work.
• Be part of a company committed to innovation, customer success, and sustainability leadership.

At Pregis IQ, you won’t just design packaging—you’ll shape the future of sustainable, performance-driven protection for products around the world.