Packaging Technologist

Research and Development Fall River,Massachusetts

The pay range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 per year.

The Packaging Technologist supports the development, testing, implementation, and continuous improvement of packaging solutions. This role coordinates packaging projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring packaging meets consumer needs, food safety requirements, manufacturing capabilities, quality standards, cost objectives, and sustainability initiatives. The position also works cross-functionally to troubleshoot packaging challenges, evaluate new materials and formats, and optimize existing packaging systems to improve performance and efficiency.

• Lead packaging development for new product launches, redesigns, continuous improvement in manufacturing, cost reduction, and sustainability initiatives.
• Communicate with packaging vendors on new designs and benchtop testing for various packaging types including rigid/flexible plastics, paperboard, labels, and corrugate.
• Coordinate and conduct packaging tests at multiple production facilities. Design robust testing methods, document key metrics, analyze results, and provide recommendations based on testing outcomes.
• Manage packaging project timelines, deliverables, sample needs, trial readiness, and documentation from concept through implementation.
• Maintain up-to-date packaging specifications, weights and measures for customer portals, EPR regulations, and internal use.
• Collaborate with Operations, Procurement, and other teams to troubleshoot operational issues and optimize packaging performance across production lines.
• Support company sustainability goals through packaging improvements focused on source reduction, recyclability, recycled content, right-sizing, light weighting, waste reduction, and supplier innovation.
• Consult with Engineering team on equipment purchases and transfers from R&D perspective.
• Collaborate with co-manufacturer partners to offer packaging expertise and ensure Blount’s standards are met for process, product type, distribution, shelf-life targets, etc.
• Research new and evolving packaging technology, trends, capabilities, and other advancements to share with Blount teams.
• Some travel required between Blount facilities, to packaging vendor’s facilities, industry expos, on-site courses, and training, etc.
• Additional responsibilities with similar skill and work conditions, as assigned.
• Other responsibilities w/ similar skill and work conditions as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree (B. S.) in Packaging Science, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field; 2-5 years of experience in packaging, food production, or food technology; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Develop a solid understanding of packaging applications via the R&D process.
• Be both attentive to details and mindful of a bigger picture.

• Medical, dental and vision benefits.
• 401k with Company match.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays.
• Education Assistance Program.
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Discounts on Blount products at Company retail location.