Senior Packaging Engineer

conagrabrands; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Bonus opportunity

401(k) matching

Stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Conagra Brands in Chicago is seeking a packaging leader to oversee identification, development, and commercialization of new or alternative packaging solutions across cross-functional projects. You will lead complex initiatives from plant trials to scale-up while coordinating with Research and Development and Supply Chain Engineering.

The role is onsite at the Chicago corporate office with occasional plant visits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in packaging, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the packaging industry.
• Deep knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, testing methodologies, and consumer-packaged goods manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of food science, packaging interactions, food safety principles, sanitary design, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of short-term continuity projects independently while supporting high complexity technical projects.
• Develop ideas for cost savings, innovation, and quality improvements relevant to the business.
• Collaborate with business and technical teams, as well as external partners and suppliers.
• Plan, execute, and analyze plant, pilot plant, and lab trials independently.
• Prepare and present technical results to leadership teams in both written and verbal formats.
• Review, interpret, develop, and approve technical specifications.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technology platforms.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Apply experimental design, performance specifications, and CQV design principles.
• Identify and troubleshoot complex manufacturing and packaging issues.
• Lead or participate in brainstorming and resource planning activities.
• Partner with Enterprise Procurement on category requests for proposal.
• Build familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans.
• Contribute on cross‑functional teams and understand project cost implications.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Technical presentation

Mentoring & coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in packaging/engineering/related field

Job description

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new or alternative packaging solutions supporting cross-functional projects across multiple operations. You will work on projects ranging from large-scale, chartered supply chain initiatives to short-term sourcing and manufacturing continuity efforts. You will lead complex projects and support technical initiatives within Research and Development and Supply Chain Engineering. You will be a key packaging resource supporting multiple platforms and will independently manage work while keeping stakeholders informed.

This role will be onsite at the Chicago corporate office with travel to manufacturing plants across the Conagra network.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of short-term continuity projects independently while supporting high complexity technical projects
• Develop ideas for cost savings, innovation, and quality improvements relevant to the business
• Collaborate with business and technical teams, as well as external partners and suppliers
• Plan, execute, and analyze plant, pilot plant, and lab trials independently
• Prepare and present technical results to leadership teams in both written and verbal formats
• Review, interpret, develop, and approve technical specifications
• Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technology platforms
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
• Apply experimental design, performance specifications, and CQV design principles
• Identify and troubleshoot complex manufacturing and packaging issues
• Lead or participate in brainstorming and resource planning activities
• Partner with Enterprise Procurement on category requests for proposal
• Build familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans
• Contribute on cross‑functional teams and understand project cost implications

Ingredients Required for Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in packaging, engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the packaging industry, preferably in consumer packaged goods
• Deep knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, package testing methodologies, and consumer-packaged goods manufacturing, with the ability to develop and implement effective packaging solutions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of food science, packaging and product interactions, food safety principles, sanitary design, equipment cleaning requirements, and regulatory standards governing food processing and packaging.
• Financial acumen to support profitability and interpret capital plans
• Demonstrated ability to build strong cross‑functional partnerships, communicate effectively with technical and business stakeholders, and confidently present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills paired with a collaborative, team‑oriented approach, including mentoring and coaching others to drive project success and continuous improvement.
• Travel to manufacturing sites across the Conagra network as needed for projects.

Physical Requirements

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply:

You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination.

You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.

This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Number of Days in Office: 4

Relocation assistance is available for this role, if applicable.

Compensation

Pay Range:$82,000-$120,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on‑demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid‑time off, parental leave, flexible work‑schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empower