Packaging Engineer

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.; Morristown (NJ); Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading cannabis producer as a Packaging Engineer, responsible for designing and optimizing packaging solutions. Work in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and compliance with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and enhance consumer experience while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Employee discounts

Opportunities for innovation and professional growth

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in CPG or regulated industries.
• Proven track record with automated packaging solutions.
• Strong understanding of FDA, USDA, and GMP regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of automated and manual packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for packaging development.
• Conduct packaging material testing and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD Software

Job description

Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a leading cannabis producer dedicated to delivering high-quality products to consumers in an evolving industry. As we introduce automation into our packaging operations for the first time, we are seeking a Packaging Engineer with expertise in consumer packaged goods (CPG) to help design, optimize, and implement cutting-edge packaging solutions.

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing packaging systems to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and compliance in our cannabis product lines. This role will focus on integrating automated solutions into our packaging operations, improving product protection, and enhancing the consumer experience while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Location: Remote with up to 50% travel expectation. Preference to candidates who reside in or near our states of operation: IL, NJ, MA, OH, MI, PA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, testing, and implementation of automated and manual packaging solutions for cannabis products, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, quality, regulatory, and marketing, to develop packaging that aligns with branding, safety, and sustainability goals.
• Assess and implement automation technologies, working with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless integration into existing operations.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for packaging machinery and materials, ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Conduct packaging material testing and troubleshoot issues related to structural integrity, product protection, and shelf-life stability.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through material selection, process improvements, and .
• Ensure packaging designs align with child-resistant and tamper-evident requirements specific to the cannabis industry.
• Provide technical expertise and training to the packaging team to optimize workflows and improve efficiencies.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, automation advancements, and regulatory changes in both cannabis and CPG packaging.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 3-7 years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in a CPG, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or regulated industry; cannabis experience is a plus but not required.
• Proven track record of integrating automated packaging solutions and working with automated packaging equipment.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, sustainability considerations, and product protection strategies.
• Knowledge of FDA, USDA, and GMP regulations; experience with cannabis packaging compliance is a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD software for packaging design and technical drawings.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize packaging lines, ensuring operational efficiency and minimal downtime.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

• Be a key player in revolutionizing packaging automation within the cannabis industry.
• Work in a rapidly growing industry with opportunities for innovation and professional growth.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and employee discounts.
• Collaborative work environment that values sustainability, compliance, and consumer satisfaction.

Company Overview

Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a vertically integrated cannabis cultivator, processor and provisioning center operator with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania. We seek to foster a robust and inclusive cannabis industry through a premium, unmatched customer-focused retail experience. We are looking to build a world-class team that will help carry out our mission of helping to shape the future of cannabis as a leading healthcare solution. We are committed to improving the quality of our patient's lives by offering unrivaled quality, consistency and meticulously curated products that satisfy our customers unique, individual needs. When it comes to customer service experience, our dispensaries will set a new standard of excellence, emphasizing health and wellness by a highly knowledgeable team. A team that is committed to our values, our people, and our communities; we are looking for people who are inspired by our vision and stay dedicated to our mission as we continuously expand.

EEO Statement

Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring / hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.