Sr. Packaging Engineer

We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Popwell.

About the role

Our efficient, committed Supply Chain team builds partnerships to get the right product to the right place at the right time. As a Packaging Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the research, development, and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions for products within the organization. You’ll drive packaging innovation by leveraging your technical knowledge of packaging materials and processes to commercialize products across our co-pack network.

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Quality Design
Location: On-site at our Preston, WA office 4+ days a week. While we strive to offer flexibility, this role requires on-site presence, including occasional additional days for special projects, team events, or other business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and commercialization of packaging systems, including bottles, preforms, closures, labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, cans, cartons, corrugate, trays, wraps, and multi-packs.
• Apply technical expertise in PET, rPET, blow molding, tooling, resin selection, and related packaging processes to support performance, sustainability, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.
• Support implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of blow molding and rigid packaging systems, including work tied to the Preston location and co-pack network.
• Lead lab testing, pilot trials, plant trials, line validation, and qualification protocols to confirm packaging performance, manufacturability, shelf life, carbonation retention, durability, and consumer experience.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new package designs, alternative materials, process improvements, and substrate qualifications across packaging formats.
• Create, maintain, and improve packaging specifications, standards, SOPs, test methods, and qualification processes, including dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance requirements.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, dielines, material documentation, and specification sheets in alignment with brand, regulatory, food safety, quality, and co-manufacturer requirements.
• Partner with suppliers, co-manufacturers, R&D, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and other Supply Chain teams to align technical strategy, resolve issues, and support successful execution.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to packaging performance, material behavior, manufacturing variability, quality defects, cost, and scalability.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in packaging formats, materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, cost efficiency, and overall packaging performance.
• Follow all food safety, quality, and SQF practices, notifying the appropriate leader of any food safety and/or quality concerns.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

Why on-site presence matters

• Accelerates process building – Being on-site lets teams test, adjust, and lock in new processes in real time, partnering closely with Sourcing & Procurement, Research & Development, and Creative teams to ensure they are efficient and scalable.
• Speeds decision-making – Having the right people in the same room means questions get answered and roadblocks get cleared instantly, which is critical when building for scale and aligning priorities across Supply Chain, Research & Development, and Brand departments.
• Strengthens cross-functional execution – Many of our initiatives cut across departments. On-site presence ensures the right voices are at the table at the right time to align on next steps.
• Reinforces culture and shared accountability – Working side-by-side fosters trust, shared ownership, and a stronger connection to our mission.

Requirements

• 8+ years of packaging engineering experience in CPG, beverage, food, or a closely related manufacturing environment; beverage packaging experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with rigid packaging systems, including PET bottles, preforms, closures, blow molding, resin selection, and related manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical understanding of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging formats, including PET, rPET, cans, labels, shrink sleeves, cartons, corrugate, trays, wraps, and multi-packs.
• Proven ability to lead packaging development, qualification, testing, and commercialization from concept through launch, including lab testing, plant trials, line validation, and documentation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and provide technical feedback on engineering drawings, dielines, specifications, material documentation, and supplier technical data.
• Experience creating, maintaining, and improving packaging specifications, standards, SOPs, test methods, and qualification protocols.
• Strong supplier and co-manufacturer partnership skills, with the ability to troubleshoot packaging performance, manufacturing variability, quality issues, and material/process risks.
• Demonstrated ability to balance performance, cost, sustainability, manufacturability, regulatory requirements, and consumer experience when evaluating packaging solutions.
• Clear communicator who can translate technical findings into practical recommendations for Engineering, Quality, Procurement, R&D, Brand, Supply Chain, and leadership partners.
• Strong project leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving, hands-on environment.
• Ability to travel up to 40%, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed for trials, launches, or special assignments.
• This role is safety-sensitive, meaning you'll be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse or plant environment).

Our Values

• We are Accountable for Results – We make clear commitments, follow through, and take responsibility for outcomes. We trust each other to do great work and support one another when things get tough.
• We Innovate with Curiosity – Curiosity fuels everything we do, and innovation is core to who we are. Rain Makers ask questions, test ideas, and move with intention. We don’t wait for perfect. We try, learn, adjust, and grow.
• We Embrace Change – Growth requires adaptability. We are resilient, agile, and energized by what’s next. Those who thrive at Talking Rain are excited by momentum, not intimidated by it.
• We Are One Team – We’re better together, and our differences make us stronger. We’re all about diverse perspectives, real relationships, and authenticity at work. Ideas are welcome and encouraged. We compete externally and align internally, engaging the right people and ideas to move the business forward. Collaboration here is active, not passive. We commit. We deliver. Together.

Pay

Base Salary: $165,000 - $195,000 (depending on experience). Note: New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity, and market.

Annual Bonus Potential: 7% – Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Benefits

• Time Off – Three weeks of vacation per calendar year (increases with tenure). FMLA-qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave for bonding with a new child (birth, fostering, or adoption). Additional time may be available for birth mothers or depending on state regulations.
• Flexibility Stipend – Eligible Rain Makers receive a monthly stipend for phone, internet, or other business-related needs.
• Relocation – Available when applicable.
• Carpool Incentive – On-site and hybrid Rain Makers receive mileage reimbursement for carpooling at least twice a week.
• 401k – Immediate vesting with matched contributions and investment customization.
• Fitness Reimbursements – Reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours. Access to an on-site gym in Preston with a personal trainer available two days per week.
• Medical/Dental/Vision – Comprehensive and flexible plans, with one option available at no cost.
• Vehicle Program – Field Sales Specialists receive mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate. Field Sales Managers and Market Managers receive a company car or vehicle stipend. Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors use Motus for vehicle reimbursement.

Eligibility for the full benefits package requires an average of 30+ hours per week in a regular (not temporary) position.