Packaging Engineer - Innovation & Sustainability

ASR Group; Florida; On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The ASR Group is looking for a Packaging Engineer to lead packaging innovation and renovation projects that support product development and continuous improvement.

This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver packaging solutions that enhance performance and ensure food safety. Candidates should have 3–5+ years in packaging development and a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering.

The position includes opportunities to influence project teams and requires strong project management and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in packaging development, preferably in CPG or food & beverage.
• Strong background in packaging materials and processes.
• Experience with leading cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging innovation and renovation projects using stage-gate methodology.
• Design and execute packaging qualification plans.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability and material optimization.

Skills

Packaging materials knowledge

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Sustainability initiatives experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Packaging specific software (e.g., CAPE)

Job description

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The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Manager, the Packaging Development Engineer leads packaging innovation and renovation initiatives that support new product development and continuous improvement. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams to deliver packaging solutions that improve performance, ensure food safety, reduce cost, and enhance customer value. This position will play a critical role in driving projects from concept through commercialization using a structured stage-gate process.

ROLE DETAILS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead multiple packaging innovation and renovation projects from concept through commercialization using stage-gate methodology
• Design and execute packaging qualification plans, including plant trials, to validate performance and mitigate risk
• Identify and implement opportunities in sustainability, cost reduction, material optimization, and process improvement
• Provide technical packaging expertise across Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications and master data within SAP
• Partner with suppliers to deliver packaging solutions aligned to quality, cost, and performance targets
• Drive continuous improvement by challenging existing practices and introducing innovative solutions
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 3–5+ years of experience in packaging development; experience in CPG or food & beverage industry preferred
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (flexibles, corrugate, paperboard) and manufacturing processes/packaging equipment
• Experience leading projects across cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis
• Experience with sustainability initiatives or material optimization
• Exposure to global supply chains or multi-site manufacturing environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and widely used packaging specific software (e.g., CAPE)
• Experience with SAP preferred
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Comfortable working in ambiguous or evolving situation

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• English is the primary language of communication

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This role does not have direct reports but is expected to influence and provide leadership to cross-functional project teams and external partners

TRAVEL

• Approximately 25–30% domestic or international travel based on business needs

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, genderidentity, age,nationalorigin, disability, veteranstatusorany other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach
Nearest Secondary Market: Miami