Packaging Engineer I

Key Responsibilities

• Support assigned packaging development, commercialization, maintenance, cost savings, and continuous improvement projects under the direction of the Packaging Development Manager.
• Assist in developing, updating, and maintaining packaging material specifications, palletizing specifications, packaging manufacturing specifications, and specification database records.
• Capture and document data, communicate results, and troubleshoot packaging material or performance issues during plant line trials and start-up support.
• Participate in R&D team meetings with Product Development, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Marketing, external manufacturers, and packaging suppliers to support packaging project execution.
• Support packaging cost savings, sustainability, source reduction, and material optimization initiatives by gathering data, testing alternatives, and documenting recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field.
• 1-3 years of packaging development, packaging engineering, or manufacturing support experience; food, CPG, or regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
• Fundamental knowledge of packaging materials and substrates including flexible films, rigid and flexible plastic, paperboard, corrugated, labels, and related food packaging components.
• Basic understanding of package conversion processes, packaging equipment interactions, and package graphics and printing processes.
• Familiarity with food-contact packaging considerations, GMPs, SQF requirements, and packaging quality requirements preferred.
• Familiarity with packaging testing such as seal integrity, barrier properties, compression, palletization, distribution, and shelf-life support testing; ASTM or ISTA exposure preferred.
• Basic project management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; experience with specification databases, PLM, ERP, CAD, or palletization software preferred.