Packaging Engineer Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Job Title:

Packaging Engineer Location:

Knoxville, TN Industry:

Food & Beverage Manufacturing Target Pay Range:

$80K-$100

K Employment Type:

Full-Time Benefits :

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead the development, qualification, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems across our operations. This role is a key technical authority and hands-on contributor supporting packaging design, supplier qualification, plant implementation, and packaging-related food safety and quality issues. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with experience in packaging for food, beverage, or consumer goods. You’ll work cross-functionally with operations, quality, R D, and supply chain to ensure packaging materials and processes meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. Key Responsibilities Packaging Specifications & Technical Ownership (50%) Own and manage packaging material and equipment specifications Lead packaging qualification and validation activities Provide technical oversight for supplier assessments and integrate packaging controls into manufacturing Develop and maintain pallet configuration, truck loading, stretch film, and MOD pallet requirements Act as a technical liaison between suppliers and plant operations Lead supplier-focused technical teams and plant trials Projects & Continuous Improvement (30%) Support new packaging development and cost-savings initiatives Conduct pilot trials, verification tests, and performance analysis Assist with the qualification of new suppliers and materials Drive packaging-related process improvements in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders Stay current with industry innovations and implement best practices Manufacturing & Problem Solving (20%) Own the seaming program across different can sizes and lines Troubleshoot packaging performance issues internally and at co-manufacturer sites Support packaging line studies and capacity enhancements Assist with equipment design, installation, and commissioning for packaging applications Evaluate new technologies and process enhancements for packaging

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, or related field (with packaging emphasis)

Experience:

3+ years in food, beverage, or CPG industry Background in manufacturing, product development, or technical services

Preferred Certifications:

Six Sigma or other continuous improvement training Better Process Control School (BPCS) Food Safety or Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Key Skills & Competencies Strong systems/process mindset and technical writing ability Proficiency in packaging validation and statistical process control (SPC) Effective communicator across technical and non-technical groups Hands-on and collaborative approach to plant operations Experience in hermetic sealing and metal can packaging is a plus Strong time management, problem solving, and cross-functional leadership Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. #infood