Associate Packaging Engineer

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, Popwell and MIXT. 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

As an Associate 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 Associate 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:

$92,000

• $110,000 (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. Maintain and update packaging specifications for all package formats (cans, PET, cartons, corrugate trays, wraps, multi-packs, etc.), including dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance requirements. Review and approve engineering drawings, material dielines, and specification sheets in alignment with brand, regulatory, and co-manufacturer requirements. Support new product development (NPD) and packaging renovation projects by translating design intent into manufacturable specifications. Maintain active technical relationships with packaging material suppliers, facilitating specification alignment and problem resolution. Serve as the day-to-day technical point of contact for packaging-related inquiries from internal and external parties, including co-manufacturers, providing guidance on specification interpretation and issue resolution. Conduct on-site line assessments and trials at co-manufacturer facilities to evaluate packaging runability, identify sources of downtime or defects, and develop improvement plans. Contribute to the development and revision of internal standards, SOPs, work instructions, and test methods related to packaging quality. Identify and champion cost-reduction and sustainability improvement opportunities within the packaging portfolio without compromising quality or performance. Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues. 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

2+ years of packaging engineering experience, ideally in Consumer-Packaged Goods. Familiarity with beverage packaging formats and filling/sealing technologies (e.g., canning lines, PET filling, secondary and tertiary packaging) is a plus. Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience. 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). Ability to read and generate insights from engineering drawings and raw material documentation. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel). Proficiency in using software tools for packaging design and analysis. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical findings for both engineering and non-technical audiences. Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for collaboration with cross-functional teams and external suppliers. Passion for sustainability practices and trends in packaging is advantageous. Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards in packaging and labeling. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Self-motivated with a continuous-improvement mindset and attention to detail. Ability to travel up to 40% occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for 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). Rain Makers are people who are accountable, curious, and inclusive. We hold ourselves accountable and recognize room for growth while openly accepting feedback. We embrace change to deliver progressive results. Rain Makers don't wait for answers

• we go find them.

Curiosity is part of what makes us so successful. Sometimes we push back, productively challenging the status quo. We promote inclusivity. Valuing communication and respect, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We are an approachable bunch, building and fostering relationships with people of all backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER

Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks! All regular, full-time Rain Makers are equipped with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like... 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. Want to get to know us better? Click to learn about us and our careers. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Instagram, and Facebook. 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. Things move fast around here, which is why we're so thankful for the flexibility they bring. Above all, our Rain Makers are just an approachable, empathetic bunch—because creating connections is at the core of everything we do. Our people 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. We've come a long way since we were founded in 1987 by two men in a bar. If you're looking for your new home, a place where you'll be empowered to make an impact, visit our website to learn more about the people and events that helped form the company we are today and will be tomorrow.

Mission:

Creating connections with every sip! You can just drop off your resume for now, and come back to apply later.