Senior Packaging Engineer: Innovation & Pilot-Launch Leader

mars; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University access

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Snacking Accelerator is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer based in Chicago, IL. You will own packaging development and optimization across iconic brands, driving hands-on innovations, rebranding initiatives, and value leadership projects.

Lead critical supplier transitions, run line trials, and manage qualification activities for granola and bar portfolios. You will bring deep packaging materials knowledge, strong project management, and a willingness to travel up to 40% to support

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on, concept-to-launch packaging experience in consumer goods.
• Proven track record in technical qualification and plant start-ups, with experience executing trial plans and qualification runs on manufacturing lines.
• Deep technical expertise in packaging materials and equipment, with the ability to build robust packaging specifications from scratch.
• Strong project management skills, with experience developing technical timelines, managing risk assessments, and coordinating supplier deliverables.
• Entrepreneurial 'Test & Learn' mindset with ability to challenge the status quo, make decisions quickly, and align across teams.
• Academic foundation: a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Travel flexibility: travel approximately 30-40% to plants, co-manufacturers, and supplier locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Package Development: scope, prototype, test, and validate packaging materials and formats across the BFY portfolio.
• Drive Commercialization & Trials: plan and execute pilot runs and line trials at internal plants and co-manufacturers.
• Author Specifications: develop detailed technical specifications for all packaging components.
• Manage Supplier Partnerships: manage relationships with packaging suppliers to source materials and qualify new partners.
• Execute Technical Governance: build trial plans, risk assessments, and contingency options for complex programs.
• Champion Process & Mentorship: mentor junior engineers and evolve packaging technical practices.
• Collaborate Cross-Functional: work with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply chain teams.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Project management

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical governance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Packaging Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mars Snacking Accelerator is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer based in Chicago, IL. You will own packaging development and optimization across iconic brands, driving hands-on innovations, rebranding initiatives, and value leadership projects.

Lead critical supplier transitions, run line trials, and manage qualification activities for granola and bar portfolios. You will bring deep packaging materials knowledge, strong project management, and a willingness to travel up to 40% to support