Sr. Packaging Engineer

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Packaging Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of packaging systems for a refrigerated food manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for driving packaging innovation, operational efficiency, food safety compliance, cost optimization, and packaging performance across a diverse portfolio of refrigerated products including fresh cut salsa, premium dips, hummus, rice pudding, gelatin desserts and parfaits, flan, and yogurt. The Senior Packaging Engineer will serve as a technical leader within the organization, partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Quality Assurance, R&D, Procurement, Maintenance, Supply Chain, PMO, Commercialization, Marketing, and Sales teams to support new product launches, packaging innovation, brand refresh initiatives, commercialization efforts, and continuous improvement programs from raw ingredient processing through finished goods retail distribution. Key Responsibilities Packaging Engineering Leadership Lead the design, development, validation, and implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for refrigerated food products. Serve as the subject matter expert for packaging materials, equipment, and packaging line performance. Drive packaging innovation initiatives focused on shelf-life integrity, sustainability, retail presentation, and operational efficiency. Lead packaging trials, validations, and commercialization activities for new products, line extensions, customer programs, and packaging refresh initiatives. Establish packaging standards, specifications, testing protocols, and best practices across manufacturing operations. Commercialization & Innovation Support Partner closely with PMO, Commercialization, Marketing, and R&D teams to support successful launches of new products and packaging platforms. Support innovation initiatives through packaging concept development, market assessments, competitive packaging evaluations, and feasibility analysis. Participate in cross-functional stage-gate and commercialization processes to ensure packaging readiness and execution timelines are achieved. Collaborate on brand refreshes, packaging redesigns, retailer initiatives, and private-label development programs. Evaluate emerging packaging technologies, materials, and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. Support consumer-focused packaging improvements related to functionality, convenience, sustainability, and shelf appeal. Manufacturing & Operational Excellence Partner with production and maintenance teams to improve packaging line efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize throughput. Analyze and resolve packaging-related issues including seal failures, leakage, labeling defects, film performance, and transportation damage. Support capital projects involving packaging automation, filling equipment, sealing systems, labeling systems, and end-of-line packaging solutions. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives related to packaging performance and consumer complaints. Develop and monitor packaging KPIs including waste reduction, OEE improvement, line speeds, and material utilization. Quality & Regulatory Compliance Ensure all packaging systems comply with

FDA, USDA

(if applicable), GMP, HACCP, SQF/BRC, retailer, and customer requirements. Lead packaging validation activities including shelf-life testing, seal integrity studies, compatibility testing, and distribution testing. Maintain packaging documentation including specifications, artwork approvals, BOMs, and revision control. Partner with QA and Food Safety teams to support audits, inspections, and CAPA initiatives. Cost Optimization & Sustainability Identify and implement packaging cost savings initiatives through material optimization, standardization, and process improvements. Evaluate sustainable and recyclable packaging alternatives while maintaining product quality and shelf-life requirements. Collaborate with suppliers to improve packaging performance, quality consistency, and supply reliability. Support sustainability goals including waste reduction, recyclability improvements, and packaging material reduction initiatives. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with R&D during product development and scale-up activities to ensure packaging compatibility and manufacturability. Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain on supplier qualifications, sourcing strategies, and inventory optimization. Support retailer and private-label packaging requirements and customer-specific initiatives. Mentor junior engineers, technical staff, and operations personnel on packaging systems and best practices. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, or related technical field required. Experience 7+ years of packaging engineering experience in food manufacturing, dairy, refrigerated foods, or consumer packaged goods required. Strong experience supporting refrigerated and ready-to-eat food products preferred. Experience with cup filling, thermoforming, heat sealing, induction sealing, labeling systems, shrink sleeving, and secondary packaging equipment required. Experience leading packaging commercialization, innovation, and capital improvement projects preferred. Technical Skills Strong knowledge of food-safe packaging materials, barrier technologies, and cold-chain distribution requirements. Experience with packaging validation, line optimization, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and OEE improvement initiatives. Working knowledge of packaging automation systems and manufacturing equipment integration. Experience participating in stage-gate commercialization and product launch processes preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems, and packaging documentation systems; CAD experience preferred. Preferred Qualifications Experience in cultured dairy, refrigerated dips, desserts, or ready-to-eat food manufacturing environments. Knowledge of sustainable packaging technologies and recyclable material systems. Experience working within SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-certified facilities. Experience supporting retail, club store, and private-label packaging programs.