Engineer, Packaging Development

Mars UK; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging innovation, sustainability, and productivity initiatives across North America’s packaging portfolio. You will provide cross-functional leadership to support existing products and drive new package development from concept to commercialization.

The role requires strong technical packaging expertise, strategic insight, and the ability to manage key packaging processes and standards while driving continuous improvement across pilot and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science or related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience on packaging projects and technology development.
• Experience with retort, cans, and corrugated shipping containers; understand scale-up risks.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact packaging development projects across major portfolios.
• Develop complex specifications for multi-site projects and ensure robustness.
• Translate technology from proof-of-principle to full-scale equipment with partners.
• Identify and mitigate risks at regional or site level; coach junior staff.
• Mentor the technical development of junior Packaging Engineers.

Skills

Packaging leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical packaging

Retort packaging

Cans

Corrugated containers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging/Engineering/Chemistry/Food Science

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Overview

The Packaging Engineer leads the development and deployment of innovation, sustainability, and productivity initiatives across Mars Petcare North America’s packaging portfolio. Operating in a pet-friendly, collaborative environment, this role provides cross-functional leadership to support existing products, drive new package development, and standardize processes across pilot and full-scale manufacturing sites.

Success in this role requires connecting innovative workstreams with high-quality, consistent manufacturing outcomes to deliver packaging solutions that meet evolving pet parent needs. The Senior Packaging Engineer is responsible for leading large, business-critical projects with regional or brand-wide impact, ensuring alignment from concept through commercialization.

This role provides strong technical expertise and strategic insight, while owning the management and implementation of key packaging processes, standards, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, influencing stakeholders, and advancing scalable, sustainable packaging solutions across the portfolio.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, a related technical field or equivalent
• 3-5 years’ experience working on packaging projects and technology development
• Demonstrated experience with retort, cans, and corrugated shipping containers
• Strong understanding of machinery and scale-up risks
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related technical field

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead and manage high-impact, complex packaging development projects (e.g., retort packaging, cans, pouches, bags, etc.) spanning across major portfolios.
• Advanced Specifications: Develop complex specifications for multi-site and cross-functional projects, ensuring packaging robustness across the entire value chain.
• Innovation & Scale-Up: Translate technology from virtual/working proof-of-principle models to full-scale working machinery in partnership with third-party builders and global teams.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks of regional or site-level impact. Cascade coaching on risk management tools to junior associates.
• Associate Development: Mentor, coach, and support the technical development of junior Packaging Engineers and Technologists within the team.

What to Expect

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.