Senior Packaging Engineer

mars; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Accelerator, a division of Mars Snacking, is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to drive packaging innovation from concept to launch within a high-potential portfolio. You will lead technical efforts in materials, converting processes and equipment while coordinating across Marketing, R&D, Operations and Quality.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years of hands-on experience, a BS/MS in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, and the ability to travel 30-40% to support global projects.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on, concept-to-launch packaging engineering experience.
• BS or MS in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Willingness to travel 30-40%.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across Marketing, R&D, Operations and Quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical scoping, prototyping, development, pilot production and PoP validation for packaging initiatives.
• Design and execute disciplined trial plans, analyze data and mitigate project risk.
• Act as packaging SME and liaise with Marketing, R&D, Operations and Quality.
• Build and manage supplier relationships and monitor external technology breakthroughs.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive improvements in packaging processes and tools.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Mobility Travel 30-40%

Education

BS/MS in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Packaging equipment knowledge

Job description

Senior Packaging Engineer - Mars Accelerator

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what's next for Snacking. It's home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE'S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS, and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow, and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations. We're looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We're proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you've found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!

What are we looking for?

• Education: BS or MS degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant Experience: At least 6 years of hands-on, concept-to-launch package engineering experience, including packaging development, manufacturing qualification, start-up, and scale-up for new product projects.
• Technical Mastery: Strong foundational knowledge of packaging materials, converting processes, and packaging equipment/machinery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated familiarity working across Innovation, Sustainability, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Legal/Regulatory, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Agility: A strategic thinker with a Test & Learn mentality, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, rapidly shifting environment with a strong sense of urgency.
• Influencing & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels, with proven ability to align diverse perspectives and drive consensus.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Robust analytical and data-driven problem-solving capabilities, with prudent judgment informed by industry trends and best practices.
• Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel up to 30-40%.

Nice-to-Haves / Pluses:

• Prior packaging experience in the Food & Beverage industry.
• Hands-on experience developing novel, breakthrough materials or sustainable packaging technologies (including familiarity with EPR regulations and CA SB54).
• Experience navigating and driving impact within a matrixed organization, along with proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project).

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Technical Scoping & Development: Lead the technical scoping, prototyping, development, pilot production, and Proof of Principle (PoP) validation for complex packaging innovation and renovation initiatives across the Accelerator portfolio.
• Trial Execution & Risk Management: Design and execute disciplined trial plans, collect and analyze data, interpret technical results, and develop robust action and contingency plans to mitigate project risk.
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Serve as the packaging subject matter expert and lead technical liaison with cross-functional partners in Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Quality to bring new packaging solutions to market.
• External Innovation & Supplier Partnerships: Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, monitoring industry trends and external technology breakthroughs to integrate cutting-edge packaging solutions.
• Mentorship & Talent Development: Coach and mentor junior engineering associates, fostering technical capability building and a culture of continuous learning.
• Process & Ways of Working Evolution: Continuously challenge the status quo, optimizing departmental and enterprise-wide packaging development processes, tools, and best practices.
• Global Community & Network Sharing: Actively connect and network with Business Unit and Global Mars R&D communities to share, leverage, and implement packaging best practices.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose-driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. Best-in-class learning and developm