Packaging Engineer

Eagle Family Foods; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Eagle Family Foods seeks a Packaging Engineer to lead development, qualification, commercialization, and continuous improvement of packaging across Meals & Sides, Snacks, and Milk products.

This role partners with Product Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, Graphics, Food Safety & Quality, and external suppliers to deliver packaging solutions that protect product quality and optimize costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a packaging/engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of packaging engineering experience in food or CPG.
• Knowledge of flexible packaging, cartons, films, labels, and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of packaging for new products and line extensions.
• Identify packaging materials and technologies to improve protection and shelf life.
• Collaborate with product development to align packaging with requirements.
• Support Stage-Gate projects with packaging leadership from concept to commercialization.
• Develop packaging specifications and technical documentation.
• Lead packaging trials and first production runs at facilities.
• Analyze packaging failures and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Analytical thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging/Engineering

Tools

ISTA protocols

Job description

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the development, qualification, commercialization, and continuous improvement of packaging systems across Eagle Foods' portfolio, including Meals & Sides, Snacks, and Milk products. This role partners closely with Product Development, Project Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, Graphics, Food Safety & Quality, and external suppliers to deliver packaging solutions that enhance consumer experience, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support business growth. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in packaging materials and manufacturing processes with excellent project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and qualification of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for new products, line extensions, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate packaging materials, structures, and technologies to improve product protection, shelf life, sustainability, and consumer functionality.
• Partner with Product Development to ensure packaging solutions align with product requirements and consumer expectations.
• Support Stage-Gate project teams by providing packaging leadership from concept through commercialization.
• Develop packaging specifications, drawings, and technical documentation.

Manufacturing & Operations Support

• Lead packaging trials, equipment validations, and first production runs at manufacturing facilities and co-manufacturers.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to improve packaging line efficiency, throughput, and reliability.
• Analyze packaging failures and identify root causes using sound engineering principles.
• Support commissioning and qualification activities for new packaging equipment.

Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement packaging cost-reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or consumer experience.
• Partner with Procurement and suppliers to evaluate alternative materials, vendors, and technologies.
• Drive initiatives that reduce material waste, improve supply chain performance, and optimize inventory complexity.
• Support productivity, margin improvement, and design-to-value projects across the portfolio.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as Eagle Foods' packaging subject matter expert for assigned product categories.
• Stay current on packaging trends, sustainability initiatives, materials technology, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical recommendations and risk assessments to project teams and leadership.
• Develop packaging standards, best practices, and testing protocols.

Documentation & Compliance

• Own packaging-related specifications and ensure accuracy within company specification systems.
• Maintain organized records of trials, testing results, validations, and commercialization activities.
• Ensure packaging complies with applicable food safety, quality, labeling, transportation, and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits, supplier qualifications, and quality investigations as needed.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured through:

• On-time commercialization of new products.
• Successful execution of production trials and first production runs.
• Packaging-related cost savings and productivity improvements.
• Reduction in packaging defects, waste, and consumer complaints.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and project leadership.
• Timely completion and maintenance of packaging specifications and documentation.

Core Competencies

• Ownership & Accountability
• Technical Excellence
• Consumer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Clear Communication

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of packaging engineering experience, preferably within food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods.
• Knowledge of flexible packaging, cartons, corrugate, films, labels, and packaging equipment.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and commercialization activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within a food manufacturing or CPG environment.
• Working knowledge of Stage-Gate commercialization processes.
• Experience with co-manufacturing networks and supplier management.
• Familiarity with packaging testing methods, ISTA protocols, and transportation validation.
• Understanding of sustainability initiatives and packaging lifecycle considerations.

Travel

• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed to manufacturing plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, and equipment vendors.