Overview
Food Packaging Engineer
Job description
Job Purpose
The R&D Packaging Engineer will be responsible for organizing, planning, managing and executing packaging projects network wide from concept through commercialization for all bakery product types. Packaging projects can range from new product development, packaging innovation, existing packaging evaluation, and cost reduction strategies. This position develops cooperative working relationships with cross functional teams, manufacturing plants and external packaging vendors and provides technical packaging expertise to the organization. They will drive new package creation by working closely with sales, marketing, R&D and the end customer to ensure the package delivers on expectations of character, cost and quality.
Essential Functions
- Accountable for the creation and delivery of packaging solutions from concept to launch, working with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Engineering and Manufacturing to implement successful product development and execution.
- work closely with procurement team and external vendors to source special/new packaging needs
- Responsible for conducting and overseeing testing for new packaging components
- Conduct and manage line tests, trials, ship tests, and other analysis to validate packaging specifications
- Assure projects proceed on timeline, meeting project objectives for product character, packaging structure/presentation and cost of goods.
- Technical packaging leader on cross functional project teams, managing the technical timeline, providing timely communication, outlining issues, risks and contingency plans. Must handle multiple projects.
- Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving designs, materials and processes and provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions.
- Maintain business relationships with packaging vendors, collaborate and coordinate efforts on new packaging concepts, quality issues, transport issues etc in an effort to create accurate packaging specifications
- Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage.
- Prepare and review technical reports.
- Supports Capital Project startup activities that include Commissioning of new equipment, Qualification of products, and Verification of performance to standards in regards to packaging use.
- Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products
- Work with Quality, Manufacturing and Transport team to identify and resolve quality issues that may arise.
- Develops intercompany packaging specifications
- Stay up to date on packaging trends, new technology and sustainability definitions for packaging
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Qualifications (Education/Experience)
- Bachelor’s degree in Package Engineering, Food Science Packaging or 5 equivalent years of experience
- Food manufacturing experience a plus with emphasis in the baking industry
- Solid understanding of food packaging materials (paperboard, corrugated, and plastic-based materials such as OPP, PP, HDPE, LDPE, PET, OPA) and their function and uses throughout the total value chain.
- Strong understanding of packaging capabilities, manufacturing equipment for both creation and use of the finished package
- Relevant experience, either with a food manufacturer or other CPG company necessary.
- Thorough understanding of physical and structure package testing procedures
- Understanding of Food Science and how packaging affects food shelf life, flavor and other properties
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization
- Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
- Solid ability to interact and collaborate with cross-functional groups, external resources, suppliers, and customers to achieve project objectives.
- Ability to communicate the complex technical information in an easily understood format to various levels within the organization
- Strong communication, organizational, problem solving and analytical skills
- Strong Computer Literacy skills: Excel, Sharepoint, SAP and PLM experience preferred
- Ability to travel up to 30%. Travel will consist of visits to internal factories, suppliers, customers and trade shows.
- Willingness and flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines
- Self-motivated, goal oriented, quality driven, and capable of working independently with little supervision
Expectations (Exhibit and Promote Company’s Core Values)
- People: We engage, empower, and appreciate our people- they are our finest ingredient
- Safety: We invest in systems, policies, and training that ensure safety
- Customer Partnerships: We make decisions with the customer experience in mind and ensure win/win outcomes
- Collaboration: We leverage each other’s unique experiences to drive the best outcomes for our expanding company
- Communication: We inform and listen to our team members, customers, suppliers, and investors
- Results: We prioritize activities that drive profitable growth, and we celebrate our achievement
RISE123
Salary Description $30000 – 50000
