Senior Packaging Engineer: Innovation & Cost Savings

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead development, testing, and cost-reduction projects across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice packaging. You will coordinate cross-functional teams to select materials, processes and equipment that meet cost and quality targets.

The role requires 5+ years in packaging or engineering, strong collaboration with Supply Chain and R&D, and travel 25-35% to support manufacturing initiatives and customer projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably in CPG.
• Understanding of packaging materials, sustainability, food protections and packaging tests.
• Understanding of packaging equipment and ability to work with supply chain engineering on capital projects involving packaging solutions.
• Basic computer skills; proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with Cape, TOPS, ArtiosCad, CAD.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; strong collaboration across functions.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to troubleshoot on the fly.
• Willingness to travel 25–35%.
• Ability to work in food allergen areas (nuts, dairy, egg, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Support packaging development for multiple product lines with related needs.
• Manage packaging development, technical applications and cost reduction projects.
• Lead resources in problem identification and resolution for new or improved packaging.
• Coordinate experiments and plant trials; present results in reports and reviews.
• Collaborate with Business Units, Insights/Innovation, Supply Chain Engineering, PDD/R, and Procurement to develop new packaging platforms.
• Provide technical support to project teams solving manufacturing problems.
• Ensure documentation, IP protection, and development of technical specs and BOMs.
• Foster excellent relationships with operations and external customers.
• Monitor packaging industry trends and apply to projects.
• Adhere to safety protocols and corporate policies.

Skills

Packaging engineering

CPG knowledge

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Food safety awareness

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Packaging Engineering

Tools

Cape

TOPS

ArtiosCad

CAD

Job description

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead development, testing, and cost-reduction projects across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice packaging. You will coordinate cross-functional teams to select materials, processes and equipment that meet cost and quality targets.

The role requires 5+ years in packaging or engineering, strong collaboration with Supply Chain and R&D, and travel 25-35% to support manufacturing initiatives and customer projects.