Packaging Engineer

Chestnut Labs; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Chestnut Labs is seeking a detail-oriented Packaging Engineer for beverage packaging development, optimization, and execution. You will ensure product integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency while collaborating with operations, supply chain, R&D, quality, and customer service.

The role involves validating packaging systems, maintaining specs, and driving continuous improvements to protect products through distribution.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong CAD skills and familiarity with packaging materials and production processes.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Drive all packaging engineering and development projects to successful completion.
• Design, develop, and validate new packaging systems for existing and new products.
• Build knowledge of packaging equipment to optimize efficiency and performance.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelors in Packaging Engineering

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

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)

Requirements

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

EEO is the Law