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Packaging Engineer COOP

Winland Foods · Oak Brook, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a class or lab project where you tested a material or design. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they can run tests and draw sound conclusions, which packaging work relies on.

Tell me about a time you worked with people from other disciplines on a project.

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate across R&D, operations, and quality in an RD&I setting.

How do you document your work so someone else can pick it up after your co-op ends?

What they are checking: Whether they leave clean records, which matters in a six-month rotation.

What do you hope to get out of a packaging co-op at a food manufacturer?

What they are checking: Whether they have a clear interest in packaging engineering and food manufacturing.

What would you do

A private label customer wants cheaper packaging, but you're worried about damage in shipping. How would you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance cost, protection, and customer needs with data.

You get conflicting instructions from two people about a project. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they clarify priorities respectfully instead of guessing.

This role is hybrid with four days in Oak Brook. How do you stay productive on remote days?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage time and communication in a hybrid schedule.

About the work

What do you know about packaging for foods like pasta, sauces, syrups, or jams, and what makes each one tricky?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that different products need different materials, seals, and shelf-life protection.

How would you organize a packaging trial on a production line?

What they are checking: Whether they understand planning, coordination, and data collection for real plant trials.

What questions would you ask before changing a package's material for sustainability reasons?

What they are checking: Whether they think through food safety, shelf life, line performance, and cost before changing materials.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Winland Foods.

Winland Foods, Inc., based in Oak Brook, IL, is a global manufacturer of private label and branded foods for retail and co-pack customers. We use only the finest ingredients and ensure every product we make meets the highest standards of taste, quality and accessibility. Across all our food categories, we offer customers a range of premium and value solutions to meet the evolving needs of the consumers. We work closely with our customers to offer consumer-loved brands and custom private label products, and also create new innovative products. We specialize in pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients, and more. We are proud to share we have manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Italy. Employee Type: Full time Location: IL Oak Brook Job Type: Administration Job Posting Title: Packaging Engineer COOP Job Description: Schedule: (Hybrid) Fridays are remote, while Mon-Thurs are in office Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Salary: $27.50 per hour, with an additional one-time lump sum payment to support expenses Duration: Hiring for two open positions: • Open Position 1: January to June 2028 • Open Position 2: July to December 2028 As a Packaging Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Packaging science principles to meet project objectives. Our team has deep technical expertise across a variety of packaging formats. You can expect a combination of: • Stimulating projects • Exposure to industry experts • On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals • Continuous development opportunities, and much more As an intern/coop, you will work independently and as part of various teams, working toward goals on project assignments with guidance provided as needed with the intent of offering opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the intern/coop for a career as a Packaging Engineer after graduation. Examples of Projects: • New product development; concept/prototype work. • Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality improvements, material substitutions. • Sustainability initiatives, meeting customer goals for various sustainability metrics. • Line trials and packaging line qualifications to support project work. • Evaluation and optimization of corporate database housing all component specifications and drawings, packaging performance requirements and palletizing specifications. In addition to hands-on experience in Finance, this position will provide the intern with: • Project management, time management and organizational skills. • Understanding the role/function of packaging development within the corporate product launch process, including the critical role that their technical expertise plays in a successful design. • Working with cross functional team members and developing an understanding of how each role impacts the commercialization of a product. • Exposure to manufacturing equipment to understand the impact of materials selection and design parameters. • Presentation of findings to a broad audience after thorough research of issues and topics. EEO Statement: Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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