Sr. Packaging Engineer

Work Location: Orangeburg. Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. The role will be based in South Carolina, with up to 20% travel required.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer to play a critical role in the planning, design, and start-up of a new greenfield manufacturing facility. This position will lead packaging development from early concept through commercial launch, ensuring packaging solutions are scalable, sustainable, compliant, and ready for high-volume production. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, has hands-on experience launching new sites or production lines, and can bridge strategic design with factory-floor execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging engineering activities for a new manufacturing site, from early-phase design through start-up, ramp-up, and continued operational improvement
• Define packaging system requirements aligned with manufacturing strategy, supply chain, quality, and commercialization timelines
• Partner with Operations and Facilities on line layout, ergonomics, and throughput optimization
• Assist Project Engineering team to evaluate and select packaging equipment, automation, and tooling
• Help facilitate FATs, SATs, commissioning, and qualification of new packaging lines
• Troubleshoot startup issues and drive rapid stabilization post-launch
• Design and industrialize primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
• Ensure packaging meets product protection, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into manufacturable solutions
• Approve packaging specifications, drawings, and change documentation
• Serve as packaging engineering lead across Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external suppliers
• Support risk assessments, validation, and quality readiness activities
• Lead and support continuous improvement efforts to drive best-in-class performance
• Integrate sustainability considerations (material reduction, recyclability, waste reduction) into packaging designs
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines
• Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives post-launch

Requirements

• BS degree in Packaging Engineering/Science discipline
• 5+ years’ experience in packaging engineering
• Experience with TOPS or CAPE Shipper/Palletization software
• Experience with SAP and skilled with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, Access)

Skills

• Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, automation, and material specifications
• Experience working directly on the manufacturing floor during installation, qualification, and startup
• Proficiency with packaging specifications and technical documentation
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Strength in both oral and written presentation skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• General knowledge of G.M.P.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership

Benefits

At Ferrara, we support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $88,155 - $123,418 annually.