Packaging Engineer (Packaging Systems Design)-(May 2025 Co-Op/Intern) - Dennis Group for New Grads, Co-Ops & Internships

Packaging Engineers work closely with our process, controls, and building system engineers to scope, layout, install, and commission packaging equipment lines for our food and beverage industry clients. Dennis Group is a design build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities.  As such, our packaging engineers are involved with defining packaging equipment project requirements, estimating packaging equipment costs, creating packaging flow diagrams, providing onsite construction support, and start-up and commissioning of the packaging equipment.  As a packaging engineer, responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Responsibilities

• Developing design concepts, estimates and functional specifications for packaging lines
• Interpreting mechanical design requirements and customer specifications to ensure that all requirements are realized in the design of the packaging system
• Specification, purchase, installation and commissioning of packaging equipment
• On-site construction project coordination and management
• Machine and process design
• Preparation of machine testing requirements and procedures
• Preparation of equipment specification, purchase documentation as well as equipment / facility layout
• Surveying existing conditions
• Creating packaging flow diagrams
• Creating material balance
• Creating a packaging matrix
• Creating equipment lists
• Assisting with equipment bid packages
• Understanding size and placement of control/electrical panels
• Creating design basis documents and scopes of work
• Producing basis of design documentation
• Preparation and advisement in manufacturing and packaging design principles including conveyance, wrapping, bagging, cartoning, filling, bottling, case packing and palletizing
• Assisting in process simulation
• Providing construction site support
• Observing rough-in construction compliance and plans, specs, and details (install support team member)
• Assisting in sanitary design and warehouse design and layout
• Developing AutoCAD equipment layouts

• Researching packaging engineering best practices
• Supporting talent growth within our organization 

Required Education Skills and Experience

• Sophomore, Junior, or Senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical, packaging, industrial, or manufacturing engineering.
• GPA: 3.0 or above
• Willing to travel to project site – potentially 30% to 50%.
• Familiarity with process flow diagrams and P&IDs is a plus.
• Intellectual curiosity and a positive, can-do, team-oriented attitude.
• Strong problem solving, organizing, and time management skills.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing and packaging design principles including conveyance, wrapping, bagging, cartoning, filling, bottling, case packing and palletizing.
• Preparation of machine testing requirements and procedures.
• Machine and process design.
• Experience with MS Office, MS Project, and AutoCAD
• Preparation of equipment specification, purchase documentation as well as equipment / facility layout
• Bonus points for:
  • An understanding of sanitary design and warehouse design and layout
  • Process simulation experience 
  • Past process experience in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or other sanitary environments.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift-up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel Requirement

• Up to 50% travel required to visit project site and other offices.

About Us

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn’t one thing we do, it’s all we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.