Packaging Engineer

Dairy Farmers of America; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead development projects, optimize beverage packaging, and ensure product integrity while meeting regulatory and sustainability goals.

You will design packaging systems, validate materials and processes, and collaborate with Operations, R&D, and Procurement to drive innovation and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering or Industrial Technology or related field.
• 2+ years of packaging design and development or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive all packaging engineering, development projects, and finished goods setup to their successful completion.
• Design, develop, and validate new packaging systems for existing and new products across company product portfolio.
• Build and maintain a strong working knowledge of packaging equipment and material capabilities to optimize operational efficiency and performance.
• Conduct setup, inspection, and validation procedures to ensure the finished goods meet all standards for release to the appropriate departments.
• Drive innovation in packaging materials, design, setup, and processes to improve functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with product development, R&D, Operations, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and suppliers.
• Oversee vendor relationships, including sourcing, qualifications, and performance monitoring in collaboration with procurement.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal quality systems.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and MOCs for packaging processes.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Communication

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement mindset

Microsoft Office

ERP experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering or Industrial Technology or related field

Tools

CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk)

Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)

Job description

General Purpose:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Packaging Engineer interested in beverage manufacturing. This role is responsible for the development, optimization, and execution of packaging engineering projects and packaging solutions that ensure product integrity, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure that packaging development projects meet product protection, cost, sustainability, regulatory, and branding requirements. This role is crucial to enhancing product integrity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

This role involves interactions with operations, supply chain, technical services, R&D, quality and customer services, and implementing continuous improvements to optimize packaging performance. This role will routinely interact with senior management to provide project status updates, and to obtain an understanding of future strategy and direction for project planning purposes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive all packaging engineering, development projects, and finished goods setup to their successful completion.
• Design, develop, and validate new packaging systems for existing and new products across company product portfolio.
• Build and maintain a strong working knowledge of packaging equipment and packaging material capabilities to optimize operational efficiency and performance.
• Conduct setup, inspection, and validation procedures to ensure the finished goods meet all standards for release to the appropriate departments for use in their respective processes, such as supply chain for inventory, scheduling for production planning, and production for manufacturing.
• Drive innovation in packaging materials, design, setup, and processes to improve functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with product development, R&D, Operations, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and customers and suppliers.
• Oversee vendor relationships, including sourcing, qualifications, and performance monitoring in collaboration with procurement.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, environmental standards, and internal quality systems.
• Select appropriate materials and methods to ensure protection, compliance, and performance during distribution and storage.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant packaging regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, ISTA, ASTM).
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as output, waste, downtime, and packaging non-conformance; work with various stakeholders to implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and management of change (MOCs) for packaging processes.
• Source and evaluate new packaging materials or suppliers in collaboration with procurement.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Ensure all packaging materials meet required specifications, standards, and customer goals.
• Communicate with customers, vendors and third-party suppliers to resolve issues and maintain quality.
• Review and approve packaging samples and proofs for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain documentation related to packaging specs and compliance certifications.

The responsibilities herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties will be assigned as required.

Travel:

• 5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering or Industrial Technology or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of packaging design and development or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk).
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Detail-oriented with strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Goal oriented with a customer service and continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP systems a plus.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, specifications, and production processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience with die lines, mockups, and technical design specifications.
• Possess or develop knowledge of applicable packaging equipment, including aseptic and ESL beverage fillers, cappers, multipack wrappers, shrink-sleeve labelers, case packers, case formers and sealers, and palletizers.
• Possess or develop knowledge of applicable packaging materials, including primary packaging (PET, HDPE, and multi-layer laminate paperboard) and secondary packaging (plastics, paperboard, corrugate, flexible films, etc.).

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans