Packaging Engineer

About the Role

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the development, qualification, commercialization, and continuous improvement of packaging systems across Eagle Foods' portfolio, including Meals & Sides, Snacks, and Milk products. This role partners closely with Product Development, Project Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, Graphics, Food Safety & Quality, and external suppliers to deliver packaging solutions that enhance consumer experience, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support business growth.

Responsibilities

• Packaging Development & Commercialization
  • Lead the development and qualification of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for new products, line extensions, and cost optimization initiatives.
  • Identify and evaluate packaging materials, structures, and technologies to improve product protection, shelf life, sustainability, and consumer functionality.
  • Partner with Product Development to ensure packaging solutions align with product requirements and consumer expectations.
  • Support Stage-Gate project teams by providing packaging leadership from concept through commercialization.
  • Develop packaging specifications, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Manufacturing & Operations Support
  • Lead packaging trials, equipment validations, and first production runs at manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers.
  • Troubleshoot packaging-related production issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to improve packaging line efficiency, throughput, and reliability.
  • Analyze packaging failures and identify root causes using sound engineering principles.
  • Support commissioning and qualification activities for new packaging equipment.
• Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and implement packaging cost-reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or consumer experience.
  • Partner with Procurement and suppliers to evaluate alternative materials, vendors, and technologies.
  • Drive initiatives that reduce material waste, improve supply chain performance, and optimize inventory complexity.
  • Support productivity, margin improvement, and design-to-value projects across the portfolio.
• Technical Leadership
  • Serve as Eagle Foods' packaging subject matter expert for assigned product categories.
  • Stay current on packaging trends, sustainability initiatives, materials technology, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical recommendations and risk assessments to project teams and leadership.
  • Develop packaging standards, best practices, and testing protocols.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Own packaging-related specifications and ensure accuracy within company specification systems.
  • Maintain organized records of trials, testing results, validations, and commercialization activities.
  • Ensure packaging complies with applicable food safety, quality, labeling, transportation, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support audits, supplier qualifications, and quality investigations as needed.

Success Measures

• On-time commercialization of new products.
• Successful execution of production trials and first production runs.
• Packaging-related cost savings and productivity improvements.
• Reduction in packaging defects, waste, and consumer complaints.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and project leadership.
• Timely completion and maintenance of packaging specifications and documentation.

Core Competencies

• Ownership & Accountability
• Technical Excellence
• Consumer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Project Leadership
• Continuous Improvement
• Clear Communication
• Bias for Action

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • 3+ years of packaging engineering experience, preferably within food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods.
  • Knowledge of flexible packaging, cartons, corrugate, films, labels, and packaging equipment.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing operations and commercialization activities.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience within a food manufacturing or CPG environment.
  • Working knowledge of Stage-Gate commercialization processes.
  • Experience with co-manufacturing networks and supplier management.
  • Familiarity with packaging testing methods, ISTA protocols, and transportation validation.
  • Understanding of sustainability initiatives and packaging lifecycle considerations.
  • Project management experience.

Travel

Ability to travel up to 25% as needed to manufacturing plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, and equipment vendors.