Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Packaging Development Engineer
Career Insights for Product Development Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Florida data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Product Development Engineer develops new products for companies, and participates in all phases of product development including research, design, production and marketing. Uses research on customer demand and industry trends to develop product ideas; builds and tests product prototypes; evaluates production options and costs. May specialize in a particular type of product or in products for a specific industry.
$74,416 / year median in Florida
-5% projected decline
Job Description
The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Manager, the Packaging Development Engineer leads packaging innovation and renovation initiatives that support new product development and continuous improvement. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams to deliver packaging solutions that improve performance, ensure food safety, reduce cost, and enhance customer value. This position will play a critical role in driving projects from concept through commercialization using a structured stage-gate process.
ROLE DETAILS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead multiple packaging innovation and renovation projects from concept through commercialization using stage-gate methodology
Design and execute packaging qualification plans, including plant trials, to validate performance and mitigate risk
Identify and implement opportunities in sustainability, cost reduction, material optimization, and process improvement
Provide technical packaging expertise across Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams
Develop and maintain packaging specifications and master data within SAP
Partner with suppliers to deliver packaging solutions aligned to quality, cost, and performance targets
Drive continuous improvement by challenging existing practices and introducing innovative solutions
Performs other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
3-5+ years of experience in packaging development; experience in CPG or food & beverage industry preferred
Strong knowledge of packaging materials (flexibles, corrugate, paperboard) and manufacturing processes/packaging equipment
Experience leading projects across cross-functional teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis
Experience with sustainability initiatives or material optimization
Exposure to global supply chains or multi-site manufacturing environments
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and widely used packaging specific software (e.g., CAPE)
Experience with SAP preferred
ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES
(KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
) Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
Effective communicator across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
Comfortable working in ambiguous or evolving situation
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
English is the primary language of communication
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This role does not have direct reports but is expected to influence and provide leadership to cross-functional project teams and external partners TRAVEL Approximately 25-30% domestic or international travel based on business needs We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.