Senior Engineer, Packaging Innovation
About the role
Reporting to the Tasty & Wholesome R&D Senior Technical Manager for Rice Krispies Treats (RKT), the Senior Engineer, Packaging Innovation leads RKT packaging projects within Mars' Accelerator division. This role requires strong packaging expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and experience applying scientific principles to develop and improve packaging designs and processes. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success leading packaging scale-up initiatives, influencing cross-functional teams, and delivering packaging solutions that support innovation and business growth. This is an onsite role based in Chicago, IL, or Battle Creek, MI.
Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. The Better For You portfolio includes KIND®, RXBAR®, Nutri-Grain®, Special K Bars®, and Pure Organic®, while the Tasty & Wholesome portfolio includes Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats, and Pop Tarts. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, Accelerator is driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming the way work gets done through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of fit-for-purpose packaging platforms, serving as a Strategic Cell Leadership Team member to drive growth, innovation, and value creation across the business.
- Develop packaging specifications, lead scale-up activities, coordinate production trials, and ensure packaging solutions meet quality, performance, and cost objectives.
- Manage packaging suppliers and external partners to ensure successful project execution, identify new capabilities, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Oversee the creation of high-quality prototypes and collaborate with internal teams, customers, and global Mars counterparts to support innovation, consumer validation, and best-practice sharing.
- Drive strategic packaging initiatives, manage priorities and performance across packaging projects, and support the onboarding and development of packaging engineering talent.
Requirements
- B.S. in Packaging Science or a related technical discipline with relevant industry experience; advanced degree and equivalent combinations of education and extensive packaging experience also valued.
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to contribute to business strategy and support portfolio growth as a member of cross-functional leadership teams.
- Leverages internal and external networks to solve problems, influence stakeholders, and accelerate results.
- Manages multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while delivering high-quality outcomes and meeting timelines.
- Independently recommends and consults on packaging platform solutions, including development, testing, and implementation approaches.
- Communicates project details, opportunities, and risks effectively to stakeholders at all levels, including customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.
- Applies enterprise thinking, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative influence to develop solutions that advance Mars' broader business objectives and drive execution.
- Permanent legal authorization to work in the United States; Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.
Pay
The annual salary range is $121,139 - $158,995, based on various factors such as location, experience, and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life and accident insurance
- 401(k) plan with company contributions
- Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis