Principal Packaging Engineer - Lead Innovation & Strategy

Utz Brands, Inc.; Hanover (York County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Utz Brands, Inc. seeks a Principal Packaging Engineer to lead the Packaging Development department, setting standards and directing strategy across brands while remaining hands-on with high-impact projects.

You will mentor engineers, drive cost reduction, sustainability initiatives, and work with cross-functional teams to commercialize packaging innovations and ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in packaging engineering for consumer-packaged goods.
• At least 3 years in a senior or technical lead role with commercialization experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science or Materials/Design related field (CPP preferred).
• Experience with corrugated, injection blow-molded PET, paperboard and flexible films; knowledge of packaging line processes.

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain packaging standards, specs, test protocols, and design practices across brands.
• Define strategy, technology roadmap, and department priorities with leadership.
• Lead hands-on, high-impact packaging projects from ideation through production.
• Lead new item development, vendor sourcing, packaging specs, and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with Sales, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Engineering to commercialize innovations.

Skills

Packaging leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Project management

Technical communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Packaging Science / Materials or Design degree

Tools

TOPS

Job description

Utz Brands, Inc. seeks a Principal Packaging Engineer to lead the Packaging Development department, setting standards and directing strategy across brands while remaining hands-on with high-impact projects.

You will mentor engineers, drive cost reduction, sustainability initiatives, and work with cross-functional teams to commercialize packaging innovations and ensure regulatory compliance.