Associate Packaging Engineer

New York Ag Connection; Buffalo, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards Program

Insurance coverage

Retirement plans

Paid Time Off from day one

Education Reimbursement

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Lactalis USA, based in Buffalo, NY, is hiring an Associate Packaging Engineer to develop, evaluate, and implement packaging solutions for new product launches, continuity, and sustainability. You will collaborate with Marketing, R&D, Plants, Quality, Engineering and Purchasing, providing design, material selection, testing, and manufacturing implementation expertise.

Travel up to 30% to North American sites and suppliers; required: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science and at least one year of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science or related field preferred.
• At least one year of experience in Packaging or related field.
• Competencies include effective communication, problem solving, and time management.

Responsibilities

• Work on cross-functional teams (Marketing, R&D, Quality, Plants, Engineering and Purchasing) to develop, design, test and make packaging recommendations for new and existing products.
• Develop, revise, and maintain packaging die lines, pallet configurations, and related technical documentation; may require CAD drafting and related software.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement packaging and process improvements for cost savings while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Lead manufacturing trials, collect data, and provide technical recommendations based on results.
• Support manufacturing sites in addressing packaging performance, material, and supply-related challenges to ensure operational efficiency.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science

Tools

CAD drafting

Palletization software

MS Office

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, Prsident specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow , Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Associate Packaging Engineer based in Buffalo, New York. Working closely with Marketing, R&D, Plants, Quality, Engineering, and Purchasing teams, the Associate Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, evaluating, and implementing packaging solutions that support new product launches, business continuity, operational efficiency, and sustainability objectives. The role provides technical expertise in package design, material selection, performance testing, and manufacturing implementation. The Associate Packaging Engineer collaborates with internal and external partners to standardize packaging systems where appropriate, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure packaging solutions meet business, regulatory, quality, and operational requirements. Frequent travel to manufacturing facilities and supplier locations is required.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Work on cross-functional teams (Marketing, R&D, Quality, Plants, Engineering and Purchasing) to develop, design, test and make packaging recommendations for new and existing (line extensions) products
• Develop, revise, and maintain packaging die lines, pallet configurations, and related technical documentation to ensure accuracy and manufacturing readiness. May require use of computer systems (AUTOCAD / CAPE / TOPS) to complete the process.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement packaging and process improvements that deliver cost savings while maintaining product quality, performance, and operational efficiency.
• General knowledge of packaging machinery, material handling, and automation that relates to Packaging.
• Lead manufacturing trials, collect data, and provide technical recommendations based on trial results.
• Support manufacturing sites in addressing packaging performance, material, and supply-related challenges to ensure operational efficiency and product quality.
• Source and investigate new innovative ideas throughout the industry to inform Marketing and plants of the newest innovations that may benefit our product lines. This process can be done through publications, shows, networking with Suppliers, product displays in the marketplace. Will continually assess Suppliers to ensure that our company receives updated innovations and new packaging ideas.
• Act as a key member of Lactalis’ sustainability initiatives. To identify opportunities, quantify achievements, and ensure timely execution of projects at our plants, co-packers, and for imported products.
• Exchange information within LAN Packaging R&D team to benefit in package designs, specifications, and machinery.
• Lead the technical implementation of packaging changes associated with supplier transitions, manufacturing transfers, and business continuity initiatives.
• Technically assist in sourcing and qualifying Suppliers. This will include regular visits to production plants and suppliers. The Associate Packaging Engineer will establish a qualification procedure for evaluation and implementation.
• This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these Essential Duties and Responsibilities.
• Ability to travel to various North American Lactalis sites in the United States and Canada (up to 30% travel required). This travel will require overnight stays depending on the manufacturing site being supported.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelors degree in Packaging Science or related field preferred

Experience

• At least one year of experience in Packaging or related field required through work or internship

Competencies

• Effective and proficient communicator, written and verbal
• Business acumen to include problem solving and analysis
• Able to manage time through efficient planning an organizing
• OSHA, Food Safety, FDA and UDSA
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, manufacturing and business systems and packaging- related software; experience with CAD drafting and palletization software preferred

Benefits

• At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options.
• We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one.
• We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.
• Join us and grow your career.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.
• Further, any division of the Company that is an Affiant Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

Salary Description

$70,000-$78,000