Sr. Packaging Engineer

TalkingRain Beverage Company; Town of Preston (WI); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual

Parental leave

Relocation

Onsite gym Preston

401k plan

Medical/Dental/Vision

Job summary

Talking Rain Beverage Company is seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead end-to-end development and commercialization of packaging systems across our co-pack network. You will apply your expertise in PET, rPET, blow molding, and related processes to support performance, sustainability, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Quality Design, this on-site role in Preston requires strong project leadership, collaboration with suppliers and internal teams, and a drive

Qualifications

• 8+ years of packaging engineering experience in CPG/beverage manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with rigid packaging systems (PET bottles, preforms, closures).
• Strong knowledge of PET, rPET, blow molding, and related packaging processes.
• Ability to travel up to 40%.
• Clear communicator and cross-functional collaborator.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and commercialization of packaging systems across co-pack network.
• Apply technical expertise in PET, rPET, blow molding, resin selection, and related packaging processes to support performance, sustainability, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.
• Support implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of blow molding and rigid packaging systems, including work tied to the Preston location and co-pack network.
• Lead lab testing, pilot trials, plant trials, line validation, and qualification protocols to confirm packaging performance, manufacturability, shelf life, carbonation retention, durability, and consumer experience.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new package designs, alternative materials, process improvements, and substrate qualifications across packaging formats.
• Create, maintain, and improve packaging specifications, standards, SOPs, test methods, and qualification processes, including dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance requirements.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, dielines, material documentation, and specification sheets in alignment with brand, regulatory, food safety, quality, and co-manufacturer requirements.
• Partner with suppliers, co-manufacturers, R&D, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and other Supply Chain teams to align technical strategy, resolve issues, and support successful execution.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to packaging performance, material behavior, manufacturing variability, quality defects, cost, and scalability.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in packaging formats, materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, cost efficiency, and overall packaging performance.
• Follow all food safety, quality, and SQF practices, notifying the appropriate leader of any food safety and/or quality concerns.

Skills

Packaging engineering

PET/rPET knowledge

Process optimization

Cross-functional

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Packaging Engineering or related

Tools

Blow molding tooling

Resin selection tools

Job description

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Popwell. When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company. Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Our efficient, committed Supply Chain team builds partnerships to get the right product to the right place at the right time. Logistics? Ready to pivot. As a Packaging Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the research, development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions for products within the organization. We are passionate about sustainability, creativity, and excellence in everything we do. We are currently seeking a motivated and talented Packaging Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to our packaging development and improvement efforts. Here, you’ll drive, leveraging your technical knowledge of packaging material and packaging process, to commercialize products across our co-pack network.

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Quality Design

Direct Reports: N/A

Location: On-Site at our Preston, WA office

4+ days a week While we strive to offer flexibility, this role also requires it. There may be times when you're expected to come onsite outside your typical in-office days to support special projects, team events, or other business needs.

Annual Bonus Potential: 7% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Base Salary: $165,000 - $195,000 (depending on experience) Note: New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Lead end-to-end development and commercialization of packaging systems, including bottles, preforms, closures, labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, cans, cartons, corrugate, trays, wraps, and multi-packs.
• Apply technical expertise in PET, rPET, blow molding, tooling, resin selection, and related packaging processes to support performance, sustainability, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.
• Support implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of blow molding and rigid packaging systems, including work tied to the Preston location and co-pack network.
• Lead lab testing, pilot trials, plant trials, line validation, and qualification protocols to confirm packaging performance, manufacturability, shelf life, carbonation retention, durability, and consumer experience.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new package designs, alternative materials, process improvements, and substrate qualifications across packaging formats.
• Create, maintain, and improve packaging specifications, standards, SOPs, test methods, and qualification processes, including dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance requirements.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, dielines, material documentation, and specification sheets in alignment with brand, regulatory, food safety, quality, and co‑manufacturer requirements.
• Partner with suppliers, co‑manufacturers, R&D, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and other Supply Chain teams to align technical strategy, resolve issues, and support successful execution.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to packaging performance, material behavior, manufacturing variability, quality defects, cost, and scalability.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in packaging formats, materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, cost efficiency, and overall packaging performance.
• Follow all food safety, quality, and SQF practices, notifying the appropriate leader of any food safety and/or quality concerns.

Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

We create connections with every sip. And we’ve found a lot of value in in‑person connections!As a young, fast-growing company, we’re still creating and refining the systems that will fuel our future growth. Onsite presence is beyond collaboration, and here is why onsite presence matters:

• Accelerates process building- Being onsite lets teams test, adjust, and lock in new processes in real time, partnering closely with Sourcing & Procurement, Research & Development, and Creative teams to ensure they are efficient and scalable.
• Speeds decision‑making– Having the right people in the same room means questions get answered and roadblocks get cleared instantly, which is critical when building for scale and aligning priorities across Supply Chain, Research & Development, and Brand departments.
• Strengthens cross‑functional execution– Many of our initiatives cut across departments. Onsite presence ensures Sourcing & Procurement, Research & Development, and Creative teams, along with others, ensures the right voices are at the table at the right time to align on next steps.
• Reinforces culture and shared accountability– Working side‑by‑side fosters trust, shared ownership, and a stronger connection to our mission.

WHAT YOU BRING

8+ years of packaging engineering experience in CPG, beverage, food, or a closely related manufacturing environment; beverage packaging experience strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience.

• Hands‑on experience with rigid packaging systems, including PET bottles, preforms, closures, blow molding, resin selection, and related manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical understanding of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging formats, including PET, rPET, cans, labels, shrink sleeves, cartons, corrugate, trays, wraps, and multi‑packs.
• Proven ability to lead packaging development, qualification, testing, and commercialization from concept through launch, including lab testing, plant trials, line validation, and documentation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and provide technical feedback on engineering drawings, dielines, specifications, material documentation, and supplier technical data.
• Experience creating, maintaining, and improving packaging specifications, standards, SOPs, test methods, and qualification protocols.
• Strong supplier and co‑manufacturer partnership skills, with the ability to troubleshoot packaging performance, manufacturing variability, quality issues, and material/process risks.
• Demonstrated ability to balance performance, cost, sustainability, manufacturability, regulatory requirements, and consumer experience when evaluating packaging solutions.
• Clear communicator who can translate technical findings into practical recommendations for Engineering, Quality, Procurement, R&D, Brand, Supply Chain, and leadership partners.
• Strong project leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑moving, hands‑on environment.

Ability to travel up to 40%, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed for trials, launches, or special assignments. This role is safety‑sensitive. This means that you'll be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse or plant environment).

We are Accountable for Results

We make clear commitments, follow through, and take responsibility for outcomes.

We Innovate with Curiosity

Curiosity fuels everything we do, and innovation is core to who we are. This drives our competitive edge. Rain Makers ask questions, test ideas, and move with intention. We don’t wait for perfect. We try, learn, adjust, and grow.

We Embrace Change

Growth requires adaptability. We are resilient, agile, and energized by what’s next. Those who thrive at Talking Rain are excited by momentum, not intimidated by it.

We Are One Team

We’re better together, and our differences make us stronger. We’re all about diverse perspectives, real relationships, and authenticity at work. Ideas are welcome and encouraged. We compete externally and align internally, engaging the right people and ideas to move the business forward. Collaboration here is active, not passive. We commit. We deliver. Together.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!
• FMLA qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.
• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.
• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)
• Onsite and Hybrid Rain Makers: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive mileage reimbursement.
• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we’ll help build a plan to reach your goals.
• Fitness Reimbursements. We’re all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.
• Rain Makers may also enjoy access to our on‑site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.
• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!
• Vehicle Program – Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included! Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles. Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

Progressive and sustainable, Talking Rain is always looking at what’s next. We’re experiencing double‑digit growth, primarily driven by Sparkling Ice, America’s #1 Sparkling Water. We’re constantly innovating. We fail fast and use what we learn to produce incredible results. All of this is possible because of our Rain Makers. This diverse group of people show up every day with an insatiable curiosity and a drive to get things done—and we can always trust them to make it happen.

Mission: Creating connections with every sip!