Packaging Engineer

About the Role

Ste Michelle Wine Estates is seeking a Packaging Engineer for our Paterson, WA location. In this role you will lead technical systems, programs, and initiatives for all SMWE packaging. Key responsibilities include driving supplier and material technical approval, qualification, validation, and performance. The role also supports packaging-related food safety, sustainability, and quality issues. In addition, the position leads and contributes to SMWE initiatives that support the supply chain, packaging innovations, and quality systems. The successful candidate is a highly motivated self-starter who thrives in an autonomous work environment and consistently demonstrates strong initiative, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the process owner for the SMWE packaging program, leading the development, maintenance, and governance of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging specifications and size reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver packaging specifications and reports in a timely, controlled, and customer‑friendly format, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance across all packaging workflows.
• Collaborate with bottling line, maintenance, and cross‑functional stakeholders to assess packaging equipment performance and capabilities for existing and new materials, optimizing cost, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and design integrity.
• Support and execute packaging projects, quality initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across materials, technology, and equipment, including testing and validating new packaging solutions to meet quality, OEE, and marketing requirements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and end users to ensure packaging components perform consistently, predictably, and reliably in production environments.
• Manage routing and approval processes for packaging designs, proofs, component specifications, and material specifications, ensuring compliance with alcohol content, design, bottling, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve packaging changes to prevent production holds, rework, delays, or unnecessary costs.
• Provide system integration support for packaging specifications, artwork management, and the Vintage Roll Packaging Data Process, ensuring accurate and consistent data flow across enterprise platforms including JDE‑MRP, Workfront, CAPE, Tops, SMWE VIP Item Catalog, SGWS, and related systems.
• Ensure labeling accuracy and compliance by embedding UPC, SCC, COLA, and TTB requirements within packaging specifications, quality workflows, and system records.

Requirements

• Highschool Diploma/GED equivalent required
• BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Packaging Technology, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Science, or 5+ years of relevant work experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (Food & Beverage preferred)
• Must be at least 21+ years of age
• Valid Drivers License
• System integration experience with packaging design software (TOPS, CAPE, or ArtiosCAD, enterprise or project management platforms a plus)
• High level of proficiency with MS Office and database systems
• Experience with packaging materials and equipment
• Certification: IoPP Certified Packaging Professional designation is a plus
• Technical knowledge regarding glass container, closure performance attributes and equipment is a plus
• Good project management and organizational skills
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Ability to lift up-to 50lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to meet travel requirements estimated at 10-20%. Destinations to included Eastern WA and West Coast
• History of responsible use of alcohol and other appropriate conduct, as well as fitness to be licensed, permitted, and/or certified by state and/or local regulatory bodies

Pay

$80,169.00 - $91,494.00/yr. based upon relevant experience. At Ste. Michelle Wine Estates we believe in paying our employees equal pay for equal work. Individual offers are made dependent upon a candidate's prior experience and education level as it pertains to the role.

Benefits

• Health Care Coverage including medical, dental, vision & prescription – eligible on date of hire for full-time employees
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Employee Wine Discounts