We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer with strong technical packaging expertise to support the development and commercialization of innovative packaging solutions. The ideal candidate will have experience developing packaging designs that improve productivity, optimize costs, and support business growth within the food and beverage industry.
The candidate will work closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, and Product Development teams to develop new business opportunities and packaging solutions for established projects. This role will also collaborate with Product Development to define packaging and product requirements, including functionality, product protection, shelf life, and overall performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, test, and commercialize primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions.
- Create packaging designs that optimize cost, efficiency, productivity, functionality, and product protection.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, and Product Development.
- Develop and maintain accurate packaging specifications and technical documentation.
- Develop go-to-market packaging solutions that efficiently support multiple distribution channels.
- Evaluate packaging technologies and identify opportunities to incorporate new technologies into packaging solutions.
- Maintain knowledge of packaging capabilities and technologies within internal manufacturing plants, co-packers, suppliers, and the broader packaging industry.
- Understand the relationship between packaging materials and packaging equipment and ensure designs are compatible with manufacturing processes.
- Develop project timelines, packaging development plans, and budgets while tracking project spend.
- Follow established technical stage-gate processes throughout package development and commercialization.
- Lead packaging projects from concept through development, testing, scale-up, and commercialization.
- Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to develop and optimize packaging materials and solutions.
- Analyze packaging performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Present technical concepts, project updates, recommendations, and results to cross-functional teams and leadership.
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, co-packers, and other external partners.
- Travel domestically approximately 15–25% as required.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field.
- 4–10 years of professional experience in food and/or beverage packaging.
- Proven experience developing and executing primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging materials.
- Strong understanding of the interaction between packaging materials, packaging equipment, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong project management skills, including timeline development, budget management, and spend tracking.
- Excellent analytical, conceptual, and technical problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
- Ability to think innovatively and strategically to develop effective packaging solutions.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, consumer-driven environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically 15–25%.