Packaging Engineer

The Packaging Engineer

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire great days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 120 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come.

We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

The Packaging Engineer manages and leads the packaging equipment scope development and specification [Front End Loadings (FELs) and Technical Briefs] of multiple small to medium sized packaging engineering projects. Provides technical support and equipment technology expertise for Packaging Engineering issues to plants and projects. Technical influence and impact will be company wide. Typically manages multiple small and several medium size projects of medium complexity and works with support of a Sr.

Engineer on a corporate and/or complex, large project.

• Reports to Group Engineering Manager or Director.
• Does not have people management responsibility. Key project team member.
• Primary internal contacts are Processing Engineer, Packaging Materials, Marketing, Project Plant Liaisons, & Capital Director.
• Primary external contacts are equipment vendors, contract manufacturers, and Engineering Service Providers.

The incumbent is expected to work a full shift, maintain regular and reliable attendance, and report to work as scheduled. The position requires flexibility to work overtime, as needed, and to adhere to varying schedules to meet operational requirements. The ability to perform these essential functions is required. The role requires effective verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated through consistent and professional interactions with a variety of stakeholders.

Work is performed in an environment characterized by multiple and, at times, competing priorities, extended work schedules, and established deadlines. The position further requires the ability to lead, coordinate, and manage work activities; address and resolve conflicts in a professional manner; and adapt to changing business needs in a dynamic work environment.

This is a hybrid role out of the Battle Creek, Michigan headquarters. This role typically requires 25-50 percent travel.

• Drive technical solutions for Growth/Innovation and Supply Chain, through delivery of cost-effective, high-quality scope (FELs, Tech Briefs) and effective team collaboration.
• Deliver project accountabilities through effective risk management, drive scope alignment, leverage technical expertise (SMEs, Platform Leads) and standard designs and specifications.
• Start to become an expert in one or more complete production systems and multiple unit operations. Collaborate as a SME, team leader, or Platform Leader.
• Provides information on technical issues with plants and project teams and has influence on technical aspects of projects. Influence may be company wide.
• Advance technologies and standard/specs for areas of expertise to drive efficiencies, reliability, and lower cost.
• Leverage the people network, plant network, vendors, technologies, and experts around you to excel in your job and bring best value solutions for WK Kellogg.
• Mentor and coach other engineers to advance the overall technical capability of the group.
• Learn and apply people safety and food safety standards and principles.
• Manage your career through self-initiated planning and training with the long-term view of having technically broad and deep expertise.
• Effectively use WK Kellogg tools and project flow documents.
• Embrace, model, and encourage use of our WK Values and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Principles, to make WK Kellogg Engineering a better place to work, grow, and contribute to Supply Chain and company goals.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (or related field) and 4 years related work experience. Or a minimum of 10 years' experience in a technical role related to packaging equipment / manufacturing.
• Project experience in a packaging role or in the food industry
• Demonstrated ability to work and operate in a collaborative project environment.
• Ability to make recommendations on new products, processes, and technologies (including sustainable packaging solutions).
• Understands competitive set and competitor technology differences.
• Ability to apply market trends to innovation plans.
• Develops the plan for completing the product development phase of a project.
• Provides significant input toward resolving conflicts in the project timeline.
• Manages conflicts between timelines of different projects.
• Prepares plans and reports to effectively coordinate work with plants, suppliers, and supply chain.
• Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems that arise during plant testing and scale-up.
• Communicates…