Packaging Engineer - Liquids Business

westrockcoffeeexternaljobs; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock Coffee is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced flexible film packaging for coffee bags. You will evaluate materials, ensure shelf life and product integrity, and focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

The role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams including product development, QA, and production, and involves scaling up prototypes to full production while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in packaging or related field required.
• 3–5 years of packaging engineering experience focusing on flexible films.
• Experience with coffee bag packaging is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of barrier properties and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop flexible film packaging for coffee bags.
• Select materials and test films for sustainability and shelf life.
• Collaborate with product development, QA, and production.
• Develop specifications for materials and bag structures.
• Evaluate and improve designs for cost, performance, and environmental impact.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues in production.
• Work with suppliers to ensure compliant materials.
• Support scale-up from prototype to full production.

Skills

Packaging design

Materials science

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Converting machinery knowledge

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