Senior Beverage Packaging Process Engineer

Niagara Bottling; Diamond Bar (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Senior Process Engineer – Beverage & Package

The Senior Process Engineer – Packaging is responsible for designing vertically integrated packaging equipment solutions across multiple formats—including PET, canning, and cartons—for Niagara’s entire range of beverage products. The role focuses on researching emerging technologies to keep Niagara ahead of the evolving competitive landscape through new beverage lines, cost‑saving retrofits, line efficiency improvements, and other engineering initiatives driven by customer needs.

Essential Functions

• Provide technical expertise and collaborate with OEMs to design PET, canning, and aseptic packaging systems (e.g., Tetra carton, KRONES PET, KHS Canning, Container Labeling, Case Packing, Case Palletizing).
• Plan, design, and validate new packaging processes and optimize existing ones.
• Design packaging line processes to meet current matrix requirements and future‑proof upcoming products.
• Research emerging technologies related to packaging formats and innovations.
• Develop capital expenditure justifications, including ROI analysis, for new equipment and line modifications.
• Initiate RFQs and collaborate with Product Development teams to establish specifications and parameters for packaging equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors, corporate project managers, and operations to support beverage equipment installation and successful commissioning.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that enhance equipment reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for chronic equipment or process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and develop business plans to capture them.
• Travel 15–20% (domestic and international).

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 4 years of experience in beverage processing or manufacturing environment.
  • 4 years of experience in engineering project management.
  • 4 years of experience managing people or projects.
  • Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 6 years of experience in beverage processing or manufacturing environment.
  • 6 years of experience in engineering project management.
  • 6 years of experience managing people or projects.
  • Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.

Competencies

• In‑depth knowledge of beverage packaging formats (e.g., PET, canning, aseptic cartons, paper).
• In‑depth knowledge of secondary packaging formats (e.g., packers, palletizers).
• Working knowledge of packaging equipment from major OEMs (e.g., Krones, Sidel, KHS, Douglas).
• Strong understanding of the IQ/OQ/PQ process (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification).
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for reviewing equipment drawings and line layouts.
• Understanding of OEE metrics and packaging line performance optimization.
• Project management competencies, including planning, budgeting, schedule tracking, vendor management, and cost controls.
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.
• Ability to develop and present business cases, including ROI and CapEx justifications.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders, including operations, quality, and corporate leadership.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction, as well as collaboratively in cross‑functional team environments.

Education

• Minimum Required:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or other related field.
• Preferred:
  • Master’s Degree in Engineering or other related field.

Typical Compensation Range

Pay Rate Type: Salary

$111,766.36 – $159,267.07 per year

Benefits

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
• Medical, including virtual care options.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Health Savings Account with company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members.
• Family Building Benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation, plus adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursements.
• Income protection: Life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability, critical illness, and accident plan.
• Special discount programs, including pet plans, pre‑paid legal services, identity theft protection, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.

And more!

EEO Statement

*Los Angeles County applicants only** Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

Niagara Plant: CORP‑MAIN