Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

Growing snacking product company is seeking a Packaging Engineer to join our growing team. In this key role reporting the Vice President of R&D, you will be working with the Product Development, Quality, Manufacturing, Co-Manufacturers, Brand teams and supplier in planning and execution of packaging projects across all categories – Cereal, Snack Mix, Cookies and Bars.

Ideally, this role is based at our manufacturing plant and R&D center, but a remote opportunity is possible with frequent travel in Indiana to our co-manufacturers and suppliers. The candidate must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.; we do not sponsor employment visas at this time.

The ideal candidate brings proven technical acumen in flexible, paperboard and corrugated packaging, as well as a strong ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional business partners and suppliers to deliver executional excellence. Top candidates will have a high capacity for managing workload and thrive in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate exceptional organizational, prioritization, and communication skills. This position will play a key role in ensuring technically robust packages using a blend of experience and data generation to drive decisions and confidence in our packaging and packaging systems.

Key attributes include a strong understanding of packaging material science, conversion, structure development, and filling/forming equipment. Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proactive approach to driving action with key stakeholders are required.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as a technical subject matter expert on packaging materials, formats and equipment by managing all technical aspects of packaging development projects, including idea generation, testing, tracking and reporting progress.
• Hands-on packaging development work including lab testing, line trials, and package sizing.
• Direct supplier’s technical work.
• Reviews and approves die lines and CAD drawings
• Tests packages and package systems to ensure flawless performance through distribution, on shelf, and during consumer usage
• Coordinates and conducts FAT, SAT and line trials to validate ability of packages and packaging equipment to manufacture at scale.
• Works in the lab and plant to create physical pack outs, perform fit tests, create palletization patterns and final packaging specifications
• Troubleshoots package issues with suppliers and manufacturing using Root Cause Analysis / Corrective Action techniques
• Investigates new packaging technologies, formats, materials and systems and recommends utilization
• Develops and implements best practices to enable effective packaging development
• Inputs to new item development, BOM development and develops packaging specifications
• Interprets test results to verify / approve packaging specifications, performance, and compliance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Packaging Science / Engineering or related degree is preferred
• 2-5+ years of direct packaging development R&D experience in consumer-packaged goods, preferably food and beverage
• Knowledgeable in a wide range of packaging forms, including corrugated, paperboard and flexible films
• Demonstrated leadership and team building competencies
• Ability to think critically and exercise complex problem-solving skills while also simplifying information to drive decisions
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to be self-directed, forward thinking and make complex decisions that drive business innovation and performance
• Comfort supporting recommendations and findings to the manager and cross-functional teams
• Excellent time and project management skills with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects
• A remote role requires 30-50% travel to our plant, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and trade shows.
• Able to work in an office, lab and plant environment