Packaging Engineer

Ghirardelli Chocolate; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and commercialize packaging solutions for both new and existing products. You will collaborate across Marketing, Purchasing, Operations, QA, R&D, Regulatory, PM and Sales to ensure packaging quality and production efficiency.

The role includes leading distribution testing, coordinating line trials, and driving cost-reduction projects while maintaining packaging specifications and supplier relationships in Northern

Qualifications

• B.S. in Packaging Engineering or equivalent is required.
• 2–5 years in consumer products or related industry; food packaging preferred.
• Travel up to 25% expected.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds and long periods seated/standing.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commercialize new packages, line extensions and improvements.
• Lead distribution testing, packaging line trials and performance testing for products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Purchasing, Operations, QA, R&D, Regulatory, PM and Sales.
• Maintain packaging specifications, pallet configurations and procedures.
• Oversee packaging design and efficiency improvements at co-pack locations in Northern California.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Education

B.S. Degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent

Job description

WHO WE AREAt Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.Job SummaryThe primary focus of the Packaging Engineer at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is to design and develop packaging solutions for new and existing products. This position is responsible for working cross-functionally to commercialize packaging designs for retail, foodservice and inter-company products. This role also works to improve designs and efficiency on existing items both structurally and in production on the plant floor. The Packaging Engineer leads the distribution testing of packaged products to ensure product integrity through the distribution cycle.The work environment is focused on cross functional collaboration with Marketing, Purchasing, Operations, QA, R&D, Consumer Affairs, Regulatory, Project Management, and Sales. This position, by ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures, is responsible for recommending, developing and implementing packaging quality and food safety on all product lines.Act as the main point of contact and spokesperson for packaging across multiple brands.Design, develop, and commercialize new packages, line extensions and package improvements.Provide technical leadership in developing packages to create new business opportunities, enhance quality and/or drive down costs.Identify and implement productivity projects that include package redesign, component consolidation, and production line efficiencies.Conduct packaging line trials, distribution testing, and package performance testing for new and existing products.Active partner and contributor on cross-functional teams (which include teams such as Marketing, Procurement, Creative Services).Work with Plant Operations, Suppliers and Co-packers to ensure packaging components are of high quality and can easily run on packaging lines to be efficiently produced.Develop and maintain packaging specifications, pallet configurations, and packaging procedures.Maintain accurate, up-to-date records and databases.Oversee packaging design, development and efficiency improvements at co-packing and co-manufacturing locations throughout Northern California.B.S. Degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent2-5 years experience in consumer products or related industry – food-related packaging development is preferredOccasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 poundsRequired to regularly sitMust be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hoursMust be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detailMust be able to travel up to 25% of the timeWorks in a regular office environmentSalary Range $83,800 - $108,929