Packaging Engineering Lead New TN - La Vergne

J&J Snack Foods Corp.; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

J&J Snack Foods Corp. in La Vergne, TN is seeking a Packaging Engineering Lead to design and optimize packaging lines, including flow wrapping, VFFS, and case packing.

You will partner with OEMs, plan tests, and validate new processes to support current matrices and future products. This role requires strong project management, ROI analysis, and ability to lead multi-site capital projects from concept to commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience commercializing packaging across multiple sites.
• Knowledge of secondary packaging equipment and formats.
• Proficiency with CAD software.
• Knowledge of OEE metrics and packaging line optimization.
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging systems (flow wrapping, VFFS, case forming, packing).
• Plan, test, validate new packaging processes and optimize existing ones.
• Lead capital projects from concept to commissioning and handoff.
• Perform ROI analyses and justify capital expenditures.
• Collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to install and start up equipment.
• Identify process improvements to increase reliability and efficiency.
• Lead root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Project management

ROI analysis

Cross-functional collab

Mentoring engineers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides technical expertise and partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to design and develop packaging systems, including flow wrapping, vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS), case and carton forming, case packing, and palletizing systems.
• Plans, designs, tests, and validates new packaging processes while continuously improving and optimizing existing processes.
• Designs packaging line processes that support current packaging matrix requirements while allowing flexibility for future products and packaging formats.
• Researches and evaluates emerging packaging technologies, equipment, formats, and innovations.
• Identifies opportunities for automation and prepare capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, including return-on-investment analyses, for new equipment and packaging line modifications.
• Initiates requests for quotation (RFQs) and collaborates with Product Development teams to establish equipment specifications, operating parameters, and performance requirements.
• Partners with equipment vendors, corporate project managers, and operations teams to support packaging equipment installation, startup, and successful commissioning.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that increase equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance.
• Leads root cause analysis investigations for recurring equipment or process issues and develop and implement effective corrective actions.
• Identifies cost-reduction opportunities and develop business plans to achieve and sustain the associated savings.
• Manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, providing clear status updates, technical recommendations, and risk assessments to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Performs other duties and special projects assigned by the VP of Engineering.

COMPETENCIES:

To succeed in this role, the Packaging Engineering Lead must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:

• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, schedule management, vendor coordination, and cost control.
• Ability to develop and clearly present business cases, including ROI analyses and capital expenditure justifications.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including Operations, Quality, Engineering, and senior leadership.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to others.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing deadlines.

Pay from: $120,000 - (or more, based on experience and education)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Experience commercializing packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Knowledge of secondary packaging equipment and formats.
• Proficiency with CAD software.
• Knowledge of OEE metrics and packaging line optimization.
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.

TRAVEL:

This position is based in on site in our Support Center in La Vergne, TN (about 25 miles southeast of Nashville, TN).

Domestic and international travel is required to support projects and initiatives, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 25%, depending on business needs.

EEO Statement:J&J Snack Foods Corp.is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against, and treatment of, employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, alienage, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status, sex offenses, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking and unemployment status.

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