Innovation Engineer - Sustainable Film Packaging

ProAmpac; Menasha (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ProAmpac is seeking an Innovation Engineer to drive development of sustainable flexible packaging from concept to commercialization. You will work with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to bring recyclable, PCR, and compostable structures to market.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s in Chemical Engineering or related field, with experience in regulatory standards, project leadership, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Film Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience with FDA requirements, ISO standards, and quality systems.
• Experience leading product development or commercialization projects from concept to launch.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Visio.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and commercialization of sustainable flexible packaging solutions.
• Research, design, and develop recyclable, PCR, and compostable packaging structures.
• Drive product development projects from laboratory testing and pilot trials through commercialization.
• Collaborate with global brands, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Validate materials and processes in accordance with FDA requirements and industry standards.
• Provide technical product data and performance information to marketing and sales.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering (or related field)

Advanced degree or post-graduate training

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Visio

Teams

Word

Job description

Description

Innovation Engineer – Sustainable Packaging

Onsite| ProAmpac

Innovation in sustainable packaging requires more than technical expertise. It takes curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to turn great ideas into commercial solutions. At ProAmpac, we're seeking an Innovation Engineer who is passionate about advancing recyclable, post-consumer recycled (PCR), and compostable flexible packaging technologies.

In this role, you'll partner with R&D, manufacturing, quality, commercial teams, suppliers, and customers to develop next-generation packaging solutions from concept through commercialization. If you're energized by sustainability, product development, and solving complex challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Lead the development and commercialization of sustainable flexible packaging solutions while supporting innovation projects from concept through full-scale manufacturing.

• Research, design, and develop innovative recyclable, PCR, and compostable flexible packaging structures.
• Stay current on sustainability trends, emerging technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Drive product development projects from laboratory testing and pilot trials through commercial implementation.
• Collaborate with global and national brands to develop innovative packaging solutions that meet evolving consumer and market demands.
• Evaluate and qualify new substrates, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Partner with suppliers, manufacturing teams, quality, sales, and customers to optimize product performance.
• Support troubleshooting efforts and provide technical expertise to resolve product quality and manufacturing issues.
• Utilize project management and cost analysis tools to effectively manage innovation initiatives.
• Support marketing and commercial teams by providing technical product data and performance information.
• Lead or participate in customer innovation workshops and product ideation sessions.
• Validate materials and processes in accordance with FDA requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Film Science, Materials Science, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree, post‑graduate research, or specialized technical training preferred.
• Experience with FDA requirements, ISO standards, and quality systems.
• Knowledge of flexible packaging materials, development processes, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience leading product development or commercialization projects from concept to launch.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management capabilities.
• Experience with cost analysis, process evaluation, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Visio.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

• Are passionate about sustainability and creating packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact.
• Enjoy transforming technical concepts into commercially successful products.
• Like working directly with customers, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Stay curious about emerging materials, technologies, and industry innovations.
• Can balance technical requirements with business objectives.
• Take ownership of projects and drive results.
• Enjoy solving complex engineering challenges.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical audiences.

The Details

Position: Innovation Engineer

Department: Innovation / Research & Development

Reports to: Global Innovation Manager, Sustainable Film

Location: MOntreal, QC or Menasha, WI or Rochester, NY

FLSA Status: Exempt

This position operates in laboratory, manufacturing, office, and customer environments and may require occasional travel to support project development, customer meetings, and production trials.

Why ProAmpac?

At ProAmpac, sustainability and innovation are at the core of what we do. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, collaborate with leading consumer brands, and help develop packaging solutions that shape the future of our industry.

Your work will directly contribute to advancing sustainable packaging technologies while delivering innovative solutions that meet customer needs and environmental goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.

Job Category: Innovation/R&D Full-Time