Packaging Engineer

We are hiring a Full-Time Packaging Engineer at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Breinigsville, PA.

About the Role

The Packaging Engineer identifies, evaluates, develops, designs, and implements projects focused on safety, quality, cost savings, new product development, sustainability, and operating efficiency. Responsibilities include increasing productivity, enhancing manufacturing flexibility and capacity, improving product quality, ensuring safer operations, and maintaining environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Project Engineering
  • Provide overall project engineering on assigned capital projects.
  • Support Project Managers for discreet phases or technology areas on larger capital projects.
  • Define scope, develop capital budget cost estimates, operating cost savings, investment justification, and feasibility.
  • Design systems, perform cost-value analysis, and develop engineering design specifications, RFPs/RFQs.
  • Prepare critical path project schedules and coordinate with Brewery production scheduling, vendors, contractors, and plant personnel.
  • Manage project installation, construction, start-up, commissioning, and transfer of technology and training to operating personnel.
  • Ensure adherence to BBC safety, quality, and compliance standards on all projects.
  • Lead root cause problem-solving efforts for key chronic losses on packaging lines.
  • Coach teams to build capability in problem-solving skills using tools such as Initial Problem Solving, Unified Problem Solving, 6W2H, and 5 Whys.
• Packaging Materials
  • Create and maintain packaging material specifications and required documentation.
  • Coordinate package material testing at third-party labs, pilot brewery, or production breweries.
  • Drive packaging material cost savings projects across the Boston Beer manufacturing network.
  • Work cross-functionally with Procurement, Breweries, Supply Chain, Brand Development, Commercialization, New Product Development, and Quality teams to evaluate packaging materials and structures for feasibility and operational impact.
  • Lead execution of packaging projects to meet company-wide and brewery-specific objectives.
  • Drive packaging material sustainability initiatives.
  • Collaborate on trial qualification reporting and communications among breweries.
  • Identify, develop, and commercialize new packaging materials, technologies, and suppliers for competitive and cost advantages.
  • Provide subject matter expertise on packaging materials to the Supply Chain and production breweries.
• Cost Savings
  • Aid in identifying and implementing gross margin cost-saving opportunities related to packaging materials and operations.
  • Understand performance versus cost implications of packaging materials and identify alternatives.
  • Support Procurement and Supply Chain initiatives for supply continuity and risk management.
  • Lead or support the qualification of new vendors and supply locations.
• Sustainability
  • Analyze and report packaging material sustainability metrics.
  • Support packaging sustainability improvements.
  • Maintain EPR reporting tool and connected weights & dimensions data.
• New Packaging Development
  • Support trialing of new packaging materials at Boston Beer breweries and third-party manufacturers.
  • Review and approve artwork for packaging materials.
  • Manage weights and dimensions information for various pack formats.
• Operational Support
  • Support continuous improvement efforts related to packaging material delivery and performance.
  • Identify and resolve packaging material complaints and issues.
  • Support vendor audit and qualification processes for packaging material vendors, sites, and lines.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Up to 3 years of engineering, packaging, manufacturing, or related experience (including internships, co-ops, research projects, or full-time roles), preferably in Beverage, Food, CPG/FMCG, Pharmaceutical, or other manufacturing environments.
  • Exposure to packaging materials, manufacturing processes, packaging equipment, or packaging technologies through coursework, internships, co-ops, or professional experience.
  • Familiarity with packaging material test methods and laboratory techniques (e.g., TAPPI, ASTM, ISTA).
  • Familiarity with packaging materials and manufacturing processes related to cans, bottles, corrugated packaging, paperboard, flexible films, or similar formats.
  • Familiarity with packaging engineering and design software such as TOPS, CAPE, AutoCAD, or similar applications.
  • Familiarity with packaging specification systems, databases, or document management tools.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to use data for decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Self-motivated with a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute in a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with packaging specification, sustainability, or lifecycle assessment software.
  • Familiarity with packaging design software such as ArtiosCAD, Score, or similar applications.
  • Exposure to packaging component manufacturing processes, including cans, bottles, corrugated packaging, pallets, or paperboard cartons.

Skills

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to use data for decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn, adapt, and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to projects with appropriate guidance and support.
• Exposure to Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, or structured problem-solving methods through coursework, internships, co-ops, or professional experience.
• Exposure to packaging sustainability initiatives, EPR reporting requirements, or packaging compliance programs (a plus).

Pay

For this role, the salary range is between $65,000 and $120,000. The starting salary within this range depends on related experience, skillset, and location. This position also qualifies for a discretionary annual bonus based on company and individual performance.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage starting on day one.
• Stock purchase plan and 401k.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Fertility/adoption support.
• Free financial coaching.
• Health & wellness program and discounts.
• Professional development & training.
• Free beer.

Talk to your recruiter about eligibility for these perks.