Senior Packaging Engineer: Innovation & Cross-Functional

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

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.