Packaging Engineer - Liquids Business

westrockcoffeeinternaljobs; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock Coffee Internal Jobs is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and implement flexible film packaging for our coffee bags. You will evaluate materials, lead testing, and collaborate with product development and production to scale from prototype to full production.

The role requires a degree in a related field and 3–5 years of packaging experience with flexible films, focusing on sustainability and barrier properties to maintain freshness and flavor across our product lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 3–5 years of packaging engineering experience with flexible films.
• Proven experience in coffee bag packaging or similar consumer goods.
• Strong knowledge of flexible film materials, barrier properties, manufacturing processes, and sustainable packaging.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative flexible film packaging solutions for coffee bags, ensuring product integrity, shelf life and environmental sustainability.
• Conduct material selection and testing to determine the best flexible films for coffee packaging applications, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly options.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, quality assurance, and production to bring new packaging designs to market.
• Develop and maintain specifications for flexible film materials and coffee bag structures.
• Evaluate and improve existing packaging designs for cost-effectiveness, performance, manufacturability, and environmental impact.
• Troubleshoot and resolve packaging-related issues in the production process.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to flexible film packaging and sustainability.
• Work closely with suppliers and vendors to ensure high-quality materials and compliance with specifications.
• Participate in the scaling-up process from prototype to full production, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.

Skills

Flexible films

Barrier properties

Sustainable packaging

Packaging machinery

Project management

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAD software

Packaging design tools

Job description

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of flexible film packaging solutions specifically tailored for coffee bags. This role requires a deep understanding of material properties, barrier technologies, and manufacturing processes to ensure the highest quality packaging that preserves the freshness and flavor of our coffee products while prioritizing sustainability. This position reports to the lead Packaging Engineer and is located within our Global Commercialization division.

Job Duties:

• Design and develop innovative flexible film packaging solutions for coffee bags, ensuring product integrity, shelf life and environmental sustainability.
• Conduct material selection and testing to determine the best flexible films for coffee packaging applications, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly options.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, quality assurance, and production to bring new packaging designs to market.
• Develop and maintain specifications for flexible film materials and coffee bag structures.
• Evaluate and improve existing packaging designs for cost-effectiveness, performance, manufacturability, and environmental impact.
• Troubleshoot and resolve packaging-related issues in the production process.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to flexible film packaging and sustainability.
• Work closely with suppliers and vendors to ensure high-quality materials and compliance with specifications.
• Participate in the scaling-up process from prototype to full production, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering with a focus on flexible films.
• Proven experience in the design and development of coffee bag packaging or similar consumer goods.
• Strong knowledge of flexible film materials, barrier properties, manufacturing processes, and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Familiarity with packaging machinery and converting processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with high-barrier films and degassing valve integration for coffee packaging.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations as they pertain to packaging materials.
• Proficiency with CAD software and packaging design tools.
• Experience in developing and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled