Senior R&D Packaging Engineer

Land O'Lakes; River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior R&D Packaging Engineer to drive innovation in sustainable packaging solutions. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and optimize packaging designs while ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations. You will lead projects from concept to commercialization, focusing on cost savings and continuous improvement. Join a dynamic team that values creativity and technical expertise, and contribute to a future where packaging meets both consumer needs and environmental goals. If you're passionate about making a difference in the packaging industry, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Education assistance

401k

Well-being resources

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Packaging Engineering.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Minitab, and packaging testing.
• Experience in sustainability requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and cost optimization of sustainable packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with partners for specifications and documentation.
• Conduct research on sustainable material alternatives.

Skills

Packaging manufacturing and testing equipment expertise

Cross-functional collaboration

Materials compatibility

Cost savings programs

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Strategic thinking

Data-driven decision making

Proactive and results-oriented

Education

BS degree in Packaging, Chemical, Industrial, or other Engineering disciplines

Tools

Microsoft Office

Minitab

LCA analyses

TOPS

Job description

Senior R&D Packaging Engineer

The primary responsibility of this position is to work across the WinField United platforms to identify and execute key initiatives that enable a robust packaging supply chain with optimized designs and usage in manufacturing. This position will also maintain a strong understanding of the sustainability landscape to aid in the development of technical solutions that enable our organizational goals and compliance with regulations. In total, the individual will lead development, maintenance, and cost optimization of sustainable and technical packaging solutions with a forward-thinking approach.

Product Development (25%): Accountable for all Packaging R&D related activities to support new business objectives to include:

• Product development of packaging from concept/feasibility through commercialization
• Design Validation/Plant Qualification of all new/existing packaging designs. Regulatory testing (UN/DOT) and maintain records working directly with contract testing labs
• Technical report submission for all related phase-gates project critical path activities related to Packaging development

Drive Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement (25%)

• Work with Sourcing and Suppliers to identify cost reduction opportunities on an annual basis
• Drive SKU/package consolidation efforts
• Travel to manufacturing locations for packaging design and testing analysis
• Identify potential Green Belt/Black Belt projects related to packaging design & processes

Collaboration with Internal & External Partners (20%)

• Work with internal and external partners to develop specifications, documentation, packaging test plans and plant trials
• Work with cross-functional packaging technical experts to identify product line synergies, sku rationalization, etc.

Strategy & Roadmaps (15%)

• Study packaging legislation in the industry, analyze and communicate impact to Land O’Lakes to aid in adapting roadmap strategies accordingly
• Establish and maintain a database of all WinField packaging technical specifications, review & update specifications regularly

Sustainability (15%)

• Conduct front end research and development on sustainable and/or innovation material alternatives that drive value to Land O’Lakes and enable achievement of sustainability goals

Required Experience/Education:

• BS degree in Packaging, Chemical, Industrial, or other Engineering disciplines
• 6 or more years of experience in Packaging Engineering including pressure, storage, hot-cold, stacking, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Minitab, LCA analyses, and TOPS
• Must be willing to travel 25%
• Background in packaging (chemical preferred)
• Experience in sustainability requirements (preferred)

Required Competencies & Skills:

• Packaging manufacturing and testing equipment expertise
• Able to work cross functionally with peers to accomplish business goals
• Experience with materials compatibility
• Experience identifying, leading and executing packaging cost savings programs and/or projects
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills with ability to achieve accelerated timelines while maintaining cooperative working relationships across a large cross-functional network
• Possess sense of urgency in meeting deliverables; proactive and results oriented
• Ability to influence and partner with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment to deliver results
• Passion for technical expertise and innovation with ability to develop new packaging ideas based on consumer/customer needs and insights
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills – ability to work through ambiguous situations independently
• Data-driven mindset to employ fact-based decision making
• Proven ability to manage through rapidly changing priorities while possessing strong planning and organizational skills

Salary range: $91,120 - $136,680 (in most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges)

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About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.