Packaging Engineer

ClearBridge Executive Search; Lewisburg (Union County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

ClearBridge Executive Search seeks a Packaging Engineer to lead packaging innovation, development, and cost-reduction initiatives. The role partners with Supply Chain and Operations to ensure packaging meets cost, quality, and shelf-life requirements.

You will drive projects from concept to commercialization, including experiments and plant trials. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in packaging, with canning and double-seam experience, and knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations for LACF products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, or Engineering.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or Business preferred.
• 3–5 years packaging experience; canning, UHT, aseptic processing preferred.
• Knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations for LACF products.

Responsibilities

• Support packaging needs of assigned product lines.
• Lead packaging projects from concept to commercialization.
• Manage multiple packaging development and cost reduction projects.
• Identify and resolve packaging problems; implement new processes and cost savings.
• Monitor double-seam performance; analyze and report findings.
• Coordinate experiments and plant trials; prepare technical reports.
• Provide new packaging platforms and support innovation.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Eng/Food Sci/Engineering

Master's degree preferred in Eng/Food Business

Tools

Canning equipment know-how

Double-seam evaluation tools

Sealers/Fillers/Retorts equipment

Job description

The Packaging Engineer leads packaging innovation, development, and cost-reduction initiatives. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and implementing new materials, processes, packaging formats, and equipment to ensure successful commercialization of projects. Strong technical expertise in canning operations, double-seam integrity, and packaging equipment performance is required. The engineer partners with Supply Chain and Operations to deliver packaging that meets functional, cost, quality, and shelf-life requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support packaging needs of assigned product lines
• Provide technical input throughout New Product Development and lead packaging projects from concept to commercialization
• Manage multiple packaging development and cost reduction projects
• Identify and resolve packaging problems, implement new processes and cost savings
• Monitor double-seam performance through measurement, teardown, and analysis
• Coordinate and execute experiments and plant trials, prepare technical reports
• Provide new packaging platforms and support innovation
• Offer technical support to Operations and partner with Quality Assurance for defect analysis and corrective actions
• Collaborate with Marketing and Operations for new product execution
• Recommend and implement product quality improvements
• Work with external vendors and Supply Chain
• Stay current with industry trends, packaging innovations, and regulatory changes
• Travel as needed (less than 20%)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, or Engineering
• Preferred: Master's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or Business
• 3–5 years packaging experience; preferred expertise in canning, UHT, and aseptic processing
• Knowledge of product and packaging interactions, food protection, and packaging tests
• Understanding of packaging equipment and processes
• Experience with double seam evaluation, specifications, and adjustments
• Familiarity with canning equipment such as seamers, fillers, retorts, and ancillary systems
• Knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations for LACF products and container integrity
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work on capital projects with Supply Chain
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and lead cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and handle ambiguity