The Co-op position in the technical development center of Packaging Corporation of America (www.packagingcorp.com) supports a materials and package testing and optimization team, providing information to address customer support requests, develop fundamental product knowledge, improve product performance, and increase customer satisfaction. The Co-op will work with others in the lab in Mundelein IL (located in the NW suburbs of Chicago) to provide accurate, credible, and timely results from materials and package testing and evaluation.

The position requires good communication skills. Verbal and electronic communication, with internal and external customers, plays a vital role in any technical endeavor. The Co-op must be self-motivated and proactive, with good interpersonal skills.

The Co-op will be expected to:

1. Learn proficient use of paper, board, and packaging testing equipment for materials and package evaluation.
2. Provide accurate, clear, and effective analysis, evaluation, and communication of testing results.
3. Use good lab practices to support quality systems and to maintain the accuracy and functionality of materials testing lab equipment and data collection systems.
4. Support projects designed to increase our knowledge base of corrugated materials, potentially including occasional travel to production facilities.

This position would be ideal for any student interested in developing a fundamental understanding of corrugated paperboard as a packaging material, and its role in a modern product distribution system. Students will be exposed to materials and package testing, as well as package engineering and design tools used to optimize corrugated packaging to meet customer needs.