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Packaging Development Intern Jobs in Portage, MI

Reli Group Inc

Power BI Intern

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$15/hr

The intern will assist in building, maintaining, and optimizing Power BI dashboards and reports ... package for employees. RELI Group provides a variety of additional benefits to its employees. For ...

Plantemoran

2028 Audit or Tax Intern

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

We believe that face-to-face interactions are paramount for individual and collective development ... We are pleased to offer eligible staff a robust benefits package. Eligibility and contribution ...

Plantemoran

2027 Audit or Tax Intern

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

We believe that face-to-face interactions are paramount for individual and collective development ... We are pleased to offer eligible staff a robust benefits package. Eligibility and contribution ...

All JobsPackaging Development Intern JobsPackaging Development Intern Jobs in Portage, MI

Packaging Development Intern information

See Portage, MI salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do packaging development intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging development intern in Portage, MI is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Packaging Development Intern do?

A Packaging Development Intern assists in designing, testing, and improving packaging solutions for products. They work with cross-functional teams such as engineering, marketing, and supply chain to develop packaging that is functional, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Interns may be involved in material selection, prototyping, conducting performance tests, and supporting sustainability initiatives. This role provides hands-on experience in the packaging industry and helps interns understand the entire product lifecycle from concept to shelf.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Packaging Development Intern expect during their internship?

As a Packaging Development Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects such as designing packaging prototypes, assisting with packaging testing and validation, and supporting the development of sustainable packaging solutions. You'll often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, marketing, and supply chain to ensure packaging meets both functional and branding requirements. This role offers excellent exposure to project management, technical problem-solving, and real-world application of packaging materials and technologies. Interns frequently participate in meetings, conduct research, and assist in analyzing supplier options, providing a well-rounded introduction to the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Packaging Development Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Development Intern, you need a basic understanding of packaging materials, design principles, and knowledge gained from a relevant degree such as packaging engineering, materials science, or industrial design. Familiarity with design software like CAD, and exposure to laboratory testing equipment or packaging prototyping tools, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are valuable soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative, functional, and cost-effective packaging solutions that meet quality and sustainability standards.

What is the difference between Packaging Development Intern vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectPackaging Development InternPackaging Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in Packaging, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, assisting in development projects, learning-focusedFull-time professional role, responsible for designing and testing packaging solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, consumer goods, and packaging companies for entry-level rolesUsed across industries for ongoing packaging design, optimization, and production

The Packaging Development Intern role is an entry-level position focused on supporting packaging projects and gaining industry experience. In contrast, a Packaging Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing, testing, and implementing packaging solutions. Interns typically work under supervision, while engineers lead projects independently. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry, but they differ in experience level, responsibilities, and career progression.

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Packaging Development Intern jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Packaging Development Intern job openings:

Packaging Development Intern jobs near you

Paper Industry Intern

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Internship

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Graphic Packaging International rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 121 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description


MISSION / SUMMARY:

The position of Intern is to provide interns with practical professional work experience within the Tech Lab, Machine and Safety Departments of the Board Mill.

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

  • Current student in good standing pursuing a degree in Paper and Pulp, Engineering, Safety or related field.

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Desire to work on projects.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Good analytical skills with attention to detail.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability and desire to work in team environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications.

SCHEDULE DEMANDS:

  • Initially training will be completed on day shift.
  • Flexible work schedule to meet demands of current course load.
  • Must be able to work rotating weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Standing for extended periods.
  • Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
  • Moving or lifting of equipment, materials, and tools up to 50 lbs repeatedly for an 8 hr. shift.
  • Climbing extension ladders, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or movement within confined areas.
  • Work in buildings and areas of fluctuating temperature and weather.
  • Job requires exposure to weather, dirt, grease, fumes and heat.

Required Experience


At Graphic Packaging International (NYSE: GPK), we produce the box you may have poured your child's cereal from this morning, the microwaveable tray that heated your lunch, the paper cup that held your coffee throughout the day, and the carrier of those bottles of craft beer you may enjoy tonight! We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are a team of collaborative, innovative, passionate individuals who are committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference.
With almost 18,000 employees working in more than 70 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, we strive to be an environmentally responsible leader in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.
If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.
Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the EEO is the Law Poster.

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