Senior Engineer, Packaging Innovation

Kellanova; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 121,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan with company contributions

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Kellanova, based in Chicago, IL, is seeking a Senior Engineer, Packaging Innovation to lead RKT packaging projects within the Mars Accelerator division. The role blends packaging science with cross-functional leadership to deliver scale-up, testing, and commercialization efforts.

You will drive strategic packaging platforms, collaborate with suppliers and internal teams, and mentor engineering talent while shaping packaging solutions that support growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to contribute to business strategy and portfolio growth.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and accelerate results across cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing multiple packaging projects with timely delivery and high quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of fit-for-purpose packaging platforms and drive growth and innovation.
• Develop packaging specifications, lead scale-up activities, and coordinate production trials.
• Manage packaging suppliers and external partners to ensure project success and continuous improvement.
• Oversee creation of prototypes and collaborate with internal teams, customers, and global teams.
• Drive strategic packaging initiatives and contribute to mentoring packaging engineering talent.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Influence stakeholders

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science

Advanced degree valued

Job description

Accelerator is Mars Snacking's growth engine, focused on unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands. The BetterForYouportfolio includes KIND®, RXBAR®, Nutri-Grain®, Special K Bars®, and Pure Organic®, while the Tasty & Wholesome portfolio includes Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats, and Pop Tarts.Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a growth business, Accelerator is driving innovation, accelerating performance, and transforming the way work gets done through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

Reporting to the Tasty & Wholesome R &D Senior Technical Manager for Rice Krispies Treats (RKT), the Senior Engineer, Packaging Innovation is responsible for leading RKT packaging projects within Mars' Accelerator division. This role requires strong packaging expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and experience applying scientific principles to develop and improve packaging designs and processes. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success leading packaging scale-up initiatives, influencing cross-functional teams, and delivering packaging solutions that support innovation and business growth. This is an onsite role based in Chicago, IL, or Battle Creek, MI.

A Taste Of What You’ll Be Doing

• Packaging Innovation & Strategy – Lead the development of fit-for-purpose packaging platforms, serving as a Strategic Cell Leadership Team member to drive growth, innovation, and value creation across the business.
• Packaging Design & Commercialization – Develop packaging specifications, lead scale-up activities, coordinate production trials, and ensure packaging solutions meet quality, performance, and cost objectives.
• Supplier & Partner Management – Manage packaging suppliers and external partners to ensure successful project execution, identify new capabilities, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prototyping & Cross-Functional Collaboration – Oversee the creation of high-quality prototypes and collaborate with internal teams, customers, and global Mars counterparts to support innovation, consumer validation, and best-practice sharing.
• Project & Talent Leadership – Drive strategic packaging initiatives, manage priorities and performance across packaging projects, and support the onboarding and development of packaging engineering talent.

We’re Looking for Someone

• B.S. in Packaging Science or a related technical discipline with relevant industry experience; advanced degree and equivalent combinations of education and extensive packaging experience also valued.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to contribute to business strategy and support portfolio growth as a member of cross-functional leadership teams.
• Leverages internal and external networks to solve problems, influence stakeholders, and accelerate results.
• Manages multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while delivering high-quality outcomes and meeting timelines.
• Independently recommends and consults on packaging platform solutions, including development, testing, and implementation approaches.
• Communicates project details, opportunities, and risks effectively to stakeholders at all levels, including customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.
• Applies enterprise thinking, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative influence to develop solutions that advance Mars' broader business objectives and drive execution.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $121,139 - $158,995, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

Get to Know Us

We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world-class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.