Engineer - Innovation (Active/Intelligence Packaging)

ProAmpac; Menasha (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

ProAmpac in Menasha is seeking an Innovation Engineer, Active & Intelligent Packaging to join our Innovation and Technology team focused on translating research into commercially viable packaging solutions.

The role involves collaborating with scientists, manufacturing, and commercial partners to develop next-generation active and intelligent packaging, from concept to market launch, with hybrid work and ~30% travel.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Packaging Science, or related discipline.
• Experience in packaging, food, or materials R&D and commercialization.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and quality standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for development work.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across technical and commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Support development and commercialization of active and intelligent packaging technologies.
• Evaluate concepts through laboratory testing, product validation, and customer trials.
• Design and execute shelf-life, microbiology, physical property, and performance testing protocols.
• Partner with R&D, manufacturing, quality, procurement, sales, suppliers, and customers.
• Support qualification of substrates, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Lead and support plant trials and scale-up from development to commercialization.
• Research emerging technologies, industry trends, literature, and regulatory developments.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical and product quality issues.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Collaboration

MS Office

Education

Master’s degree in Food Science or related discipline

PhD in Food Science or related discipline

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Innovation Engineer, Active & Intelligent Packaging

Locations: Rochester, NY | Menasha, WI | Hanover Park, IL

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Travel: Approximately 30%

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 annually

Job Category: Innovation/R&D Full-Time

At ProAmpac, innovation is more than a department. It is a commitment to developing packaging solutions that create value for customers, consumers, and the environment.

We are seeking a highly motivated Innovation Engineer, Active & Intelligent Packaging to join our growing Innovation and Technology team. This role is ideal for a scientist or engineer who is energized by research and development, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and wants to transform breakthrough ideas into commercially successful products.

You will work alongside technical experts, manufacturing teams, commercial partners, suppliers, and some of the world's most recognized brands to develop next-generation active and intelligent packaging solutions. From concept development and laboratory evaluation to plant trials and market launch, you will play a key role in advancing innovative technologies that help define the future of flexible packaging.

What You’ll Do

• Support the development and commercialization of active and intelligent packaging technologies.
• Evaluate new concepts through laboratory testing, product validation, and customer trials.
• Design and execute food shelf-life, microbiology, physical property, and performance testing protocols.
• Partner with R&D, manufacturing, quality, procurement, sales, suppliers, and customers to advance innovative packaging solutions.
• Support the qualification of substrates, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Lead and support plant trials and scale-up activities from development through commercialization.
• Research emerging technologies, industry trends, scientific literature, and regulatory developments.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical and product quality issues.
• Support customer innovation workshops and collaborative product development initiatives.
• Develop technical documentation, specifications, and performance reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FDA requirements and industry standards.
• Apply project management and cost-analysis techniques to drive successful innovation projects.

Required Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Packaging Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting product development, research, innovation, or commercialization activities in packaging, food, materials, or related industries.
• Working knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, packaging science, material science, and statistical methodologies.
• Experience working with FDA regulations and quality standards.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across technical and commercial teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, Packaging Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience with active packaging, intelligent packaging, food preservation technologies, flexible packaging, materials development, or related innovation initiatives.
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up, process validation, or customer trials.

Why Join ProAmpac?

• Develop next-generation packaging technologies.
• Collaborate with industry experts and leading consumer brands.
• Take concepts from research through commercialization.
• Influence innovation strategy and product development.
• Work in a collaborative culture that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Expand your technical and leadership capabilities while making a meaningful business impact.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, education, skills, geographic location, and business needs.

Benefits

Additional Details Regarding ProAmpac's Benefits Are Available At ProAmpac Benefits Information.

This position is eligible for ProAmpac's comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental and vision coverage; telemedicine and employee assistance program resources; paid time off and 11 paid company holidays; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; health savings account and flexible spending account options; company-paid life and AD&D insurance; voluntary life and AD&D coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; accident, critical illness and identity theft coverage; wellness programs and incentives; and education and professional development assistance.

Work Authorization

To be considered for this position, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and must not require current or future employment visa sponsorship. ProAmpac is unable to provide employment sponsorship for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ProAmpac is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Qualifications

Experience

Required

• 5 years: Experience with FDA requirements and ISO standards.
• 5 years: Solid working knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, packaging, material science, statistical methodology

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.