Sr. Packaging Engineer

Ferrero SpA; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 88,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging development for a new greenfield manufacturing facility in South Carolina. You will drive packaging concepts from design through commercial launch, ensuring scalable, compliant, and high-volume packaging solutions ready for production.

The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, has hands-on site launch experience, and bridges strategic design with factory-floor execution. Travel up to 20% is required.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, automation, and material specifications.
• Experience on the manufacturing floor during installation, qualification and startup.
• Proficiency with packaging specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging engineering activities for a new manufacturing site from early design through start-up, ramp-up and continuous improvement.
• Define packaging system requirements aligned with manufacturing strategy and timelines.
• Collaborate with Operations on line layout, ergonomics, and throughput optimization.
• Assist project team to evaluate and select packaging equipment and tooling.
• Facilitate FATs, SATs, commissioning, and qualification of new packaging lines.
• Ensure packaging meets product protection, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives.

Skills

Packaging equipment

Automation

Manufacturing floor

Packaging specifications

Technical documentation

Project management

Communication

GMP knowledge

Tools

SAP

TOPS/CAPE

Microsoft Office

Job description

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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer to play a critical role in the planning, design, and start-up of a new greenfield manufacturing facility . This position will lead packaging development from early concept through commercial launch, ensuring packaging solutions are scalable, sustainable, compliant, and ready for high-volume production.

The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, has hands-on experience launching new sites or production lines, and can bridge strategic design with factory-floor execution.

Role will be based in South Carolina. Individual should be willing to travel up to 20% of the time

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead packaging engineering activities for a new manufacturing site , from early-phase design through start-up,ramp-upand continued operational improvement
• Define packaging system requirements aligned with manufacturing strategy, supply chain, quality, and commercialization timelines
• Partner with Operations and Facilities on line layout, ergonomics, and throughput optimization
• Assist Project Engineering team to evaluate and select packaging equipment, automation, and tooling
• Help facilitate FATs, SATs, commissioning, and qualification of new packaging lines
• Troubleshoot startup issues and drive rapid stabilization post-launch Design and industrialize primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
• Ensure packaging meets product protection, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to translate requirements into manufacturable solutions
• Approve packaging specifications, drawings, and change documentation
• Serve as packaging engineering lead across Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external suppliers
• Support risk assessments, validation, and quality readiness activities
• Lead and support continuous improvement efforts to drive best in class performance
• Integrate sustainability considerations (material reduction, recyclability, waste reduction) into packaging designs
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines
• Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives post-launch

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, automation, and material specifications
• Experience working directly on the manufacturing floor during installation, qualification and startup
• Proficiency with packaging specifications, and technical documentation
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Strength in both oral and written presentation skills are a prerequisite to success
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• General knowledge of G.M.P.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.

Experiences that will support your success

• 5+ years’ experience
• Experience with TOPS or CAPE Shipper/Palletization software
• Experience with SAP and skilled with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, Access)

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at

https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $88,155 - $123,418annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.