Senior Packaging Engineer

This role focuses on long-term innovation, leading the identification, development, and commercialization of multiple complex projects to launch new product and packaging solutions. The Sr. Packaging Engineer drives new, improved, and innovative packaging solutions while supporting cross-functional initiatives, acting as a key resource for one or more business units.

Responsibilities

• Support the innovation stage-gate process on assigned packaging projects from ideation through commercialization.
• Conceptualize, design, prototype, and commercialize functional packaging for new products to meet design criteria.
• Identify and initiate opportunities, bringing together cross-functional expertise to drive efficiencies, optimize processes, and build the business.
• Apply knowledge of operations, other functions, and customer needs to address value chain problems.
• Identify and validate new materials, expertise, technologies, and potential packaging solutions through external collaboration.
• Collaborate with team members to generate new concepts and opportunities in product and packaging.
• Effectively communicate within the broader packaging technical community.
• Lead technical delivery of base business projects independently while supporting high-complexity projects.
• Support assigned business units on all packaging projects from ideation through commercialization, aligning with strategic goals and customer needs.
• Develop ideas for innovation, operational, and quality improvements relevant to the business.
• Collaborate with business and technical peers, as well as external partners, on assigned projects.
• Independently plan, execute, and analyze plant, pilot plant, and lab trials.
• Prepare and present technical reports to leadership, both written and oral.
• Document trial results using standard processes and share findings with relevant parties.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technology platforms.
• Maintain a strong understanding and application of experimental design, performance specs, and material qualification/CQV processes.
• Maintain working knowledge of packaging principles and operating systems for the assigned business.
• Stay aware of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry.
• Participate in or lead brainstorming and information gathering for resource planning as needed.
• Mentor and/or manage associate engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of work experience in the packaging industry, preferably in CPG.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials capabilities and equipment.
• Understanding of government regulatory requirements in food processing.
• Ability to collaborate and maintain cross-functional partnerships, both internally and externally.
• Effective communication skills for senior leadership, both verbally and nonverbally.
• Advanced analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.
• Basic understanding of food science and its impact on packaging.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitary design, and equipment cleaning.
• Thorough understanding of physical and structural package testing procedures.
• Financial acumen to optimize profitability.
• Team-building skills focused on mentoring and coaching.
• Strong negotiating skills for conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in 2-D/3-D design programs (AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD, and/or SolidWorks).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to meet company driving standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 25 to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for 75% of the day.
• Ability to sit for up to 4 hours at a time.

Key Functional Competencies

• Value Chain, Financial & Business Acumen: Strategically seek out, analyze, and act on business opportunities across the value chain to optimize growth.
• Innovative and Strategic Thinking: Proactively generate and evaluate ideas in creative ways to deliver enterprise-level thinking and direction.
• Product & Manufacturing Knowledge: Leverage knowledge of product, packaging, supply chain, market, and customer to influence decisions and drive competitive advantage.
• Concept Creation & Development: Translate diverse insights into scalable innovative packages and products to meet consumer and customer needs.
• Project Management: Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive project plans to deliver objectives.
• Work Process Discipline and Execution: Develop, document, and maintain standardized processes to drive compliance and efficiencies.
• Food Science: Apply knowledge of food science principles to design, develop, and enhance products from ideation to commercialization.
• Packaging Engineering: Use knowledge of material sciences, manufacturing, and equipment capabilities to design and enhance packaging.
• Commercialization: Translate formulations and specifications from batch to full-scale production, including handoff to Supply Chain.

Benefits

• Health Insurance Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement Accounts
• Well-being programs, including companywide events and a wellness incentive program
• Paid Time Off
• Financial Wellness: Industry-leading 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, Financial Planning Services, Employee Stock Purchase Program, Health Savings Accounts, Life and Accident Insurance
• Family-Friendly Employee events
• Employee Assistance Program services, including mental health and concierge-type services

Benefits may vary based on location, job role/level, job status, and/or the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Pay

A reasonable annual estimate of the range for this role is $95,020.00 - $142,520.00. Actual compensation may vary based on job duties, experience, expertise, and work location.