R&D Engineering Internship

Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life. For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here. At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce. We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do—together—to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.

What you can expect:

In the R&D Engineering intern position, you will contribute to specific R&D projects to develop new technologies as well as perform research in the science of plastic blow molding for the purpose of improving blow molding products and processes. Your tasks may include designing and conducting small trials, building simple test apparatus, collecting and analyzing data, and performing product performance and attribute testing. The position will allow for working closely with experienced R&D engineers and directly engaging in live projects with the potential to independently manage small portions of projects. Interns will be involved in engineering support activities that will expose them to many areas for learning including plastic materials, machine design, plastic molding processes, instrumentation, test methods, general manufacturing, and statistical analysis

Goal of Program:

• Gain the basic understanding of plastic blow molding processes, manufacturing equipment, and products
• Develop skills to solve problems in a goal-orientated manner as opposed to completing only specific tasks
• Improve ability to interact cross functionally with teams and leadership

Example Projects:

• Design and conduct an experiment to determine the effects of hydraulic oil temperature on the performance of a blow molding process controlling hydraulic actuator
• Test sensors, data acquisition modules, and other measurement equipment to determine their accuracy, precision, and limitations for the purpose of developing an instrumentation tool kit to be used in manufacturing issue problem solving

What Graham is looking for:

• Senior, Junior, or advanced Sophomore
• Major in Engineering
• Basic knowledge of physics, materials, measurement, and fundamental engineering principles
• Capable of working individually with little supervision and ability to collaborate with a team
• Seeking highly energetic, creative, and motivated individuals
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Willingness to travel
• Skills in Excel and CAD; skills in solid modeling, FEA, and Minitab a plus

The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.
Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.