Research & Development Industrial Placement - Packaging

You’ve learned a lot as a student already. Want to put it into practice at Pepsi Co?

Our placement programmes are structured to give you the chance to make an impact on some of the world’s biggest brands. From day one, you’ll be working on projects that matter. You will shake things up, shape trends, and get guidance and development to help you discover your potential.

We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduates to join our R&D teams on a 12-month placement programme starting in July 2027 on a full-time basis.

Innovation takes centre stage at Pepsi Co! That means our Global R&D team are at the heart of the action and are kept busy creating the products of the future, for our global consumers. In a fast-paced consumer environment, our research and development capability is crucial to provide a fresh twist to our favourite brands as well as creating new to the world healthy choices that we need to succeed in the market.

Our research and development focusses on building a consumer-centric understanding, enabling us to design products for the latest consumer needs - whether nutrition, refreshment, or indulgence – driving our growth both now and in the future.

You’ll have lots of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to our business and in return, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast paced, energetic environment.

Our Packaging R&D team plays a critical role in supporting Pepsi Co’s business across Europe and cross-region markets by developing and delivering innovative packaging solutions that me the needs of consumers, customers, and the business. We collaborate closely with suppliers, manufacturing sites, marketing, procurement, and sustainability teams to ensure packaging delivers against performance, environmental, and commercial objectives. Our work is split across AOP initiatives that drive business growth, productivity, performance, and packaging innovation, alongside programmes focused on advancing packaging sustainability through improved recyclability, material reduction, and circular packaging solutions.

A key highlight of our work is the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams across the business to successfully deliver packaging projects, while exploring emerging packaging technologies that strengthen Pepsi Co's brands, support operational excellence, and contribute to our long-term sustainability ambitions.

As part of the R&D Packaging team, you will be actively involved in the development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that support Pepsi Co’s business, innovation, and environmental goals. Your responsibilities will include:

• Packaging Development:
  Supporting and leading a variety of packaging development activities, including developing digital solutions to practical problems, evaluating packaging materials and designs, and analysing and reporting results to peers and line management alongside evaluating regulatory and competitor landscape.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  
  Working closely with product insights, sustainability office, supply chain, science and technology and analytical teams to evaluate and measure key packaging attributes, ensuring alignment with product performance, consumer expectations, environmental and general business objectives.
• Prototyping & Preparation:
  Creating packaging prototypes and preparing samples for internal reviews, testing, and stakeholder presentations, including concepts that meet business needs while supporting more sustainable packaging solutions.
• Testing & Analysis:
  Arranging and conducting packaging trials, coordinating desktop and laboratory analyses, and compiling and communicating…