Engineer II

PackStaff, LLC; Manchester (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PackStaff, LLC in Manchester, TN is seeking an Engineer II to support packaging development, optimization, and implementation across materials, equipment, and processes for a leading food manufacturer.

The role collaborates across operations, procurement, sales, and customers, with emphasis on sustainability, EPR compliance, and packaging circularity initiatives. Travel up to 50% and cross-functional project leadership are key aspects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of packaging engineering experience.
• Knowledge of food packaging materials, processes, and applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Authorized to work without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute packaging material changes to improve line speeds and operating efficiencies while reducing costs.
• Partner with Procurement on supplier selection and qualification, ensuring new materials meet established quality and performance standards.
• Research, evaluate, and develop new or alternative packaging materials, processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Develop and implement new products and packaging formats for customers and manufacturing facilities.
• Establish operating guidelines and parameters for packaging run conditions.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency through packaging equipment and process automation.
• Standardize and manage packaging specifications, procedures, and machinery applications to optimize finished-product quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues involving materials, supplies, equipment, labor, and cost.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing on feasibility studies and commercialization of new products and packaging.
• Support packaging circularity initiatives, including trials involving material reduction, reusable packaging, recyclable solutions, compostable packaging, and other sustainability improvements.
• Maintain and continuously improve packaging specifications and related technical documentation.
• Monitor evolving Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and other packaging requirements while providing technical guidance on compliance and packaging strategy.
• Coordinate capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Follow all applicable safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, and quality procedures.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Travel 50%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking an Engineer IIto support the development, optimization, and implementation of packaging materials, equipment, and processes for a leading food manufacturer.

This position works cross-functionally with operations, procurement, sales and marketing, customers, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and co-packers to execute packaging projects from concept through commercialization and implementation.

The Senior Packaging Engineer will also serve as a technical resource in packaging sustainability and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), helping guide sustainable packaging strategies, regulatory compliance, reporting requirements, and packaging circularity initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute packaging material changes to improve line speeds and operating efficiencies while reducing costs.
• Partner with Procurement on supplier selection and qualification, ensuring new materials meet established quality and performance standards.
• Research, evaluate, and develop new or alternative packaging materials, processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Develop and implement new products and packaging formats for customers and manufacturing facilities.
• Establish operating guidelines and parameters for packaging run conditions.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency through packaging equipment and process automation.
• Standardize and manage packaging specifications, procedures, and machinery applications to optimize finished-product quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues involving materials, supplies, equipment, labor, and cost.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing on feasibility studies and commercialization of new products and packaging.
• Support packaging circularity initiatives, including trials involving material reduction, reusable packaging, recyclable solutions, compostable packaging, and other sustainability improvements.
• Maintain and continuously improve packaging specifications and related technical documentation.
• Monitor evolving Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and other packaging requirements while providing technical guidance on compliance and packaging strategy.
• Coordinate capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Follow all applicable safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, and quality procedures.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering or technical field.
• 2+ years of packaging engineering experience.
• Knowledge of food packaging materials, processes, and applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with packaging material suppliers, packaging equipment manufacturers, customers, and co-packers.
• Ability to travel approximately 50%.
• Must be authorized to work now and in the future without corporate sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 to 4+ years of packaging experience within consumer packaged goods (CPG) or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience with package development and commercialization.
• Experience supporting customer visits and working with Sales and Marketing teams.
• Food or dairy industry experience.
• Experience with flexible packaging, rigid packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) equipment, corrugated packaging, and packaging sustainability.
• Experience with SAP.
• Experience with packaging equipment, automation, and/or capital projects.
• Familiarity with packaging sustainability, circularity, or Extended Producer Responsibility programs.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with regular time spent in manufacturing facilities.
• Manufacturing environments may include temperatures ranging from approximately 35°F to 100°F, noise levels exceeding 85 dB, moisture, and moving machinery.
• Approximately 50% travel may be required.

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a packaging engineer to have a meaningful impact across packaging development, commercialization, manufacturing efficiency, automation, capital projects, and sustainability. The position offers significant exposure across the organization and the opportunity to help shape packaging strategy as sustainability and EPR requirements continue to evolve.