R&D Packaging Engineer

Summary

Leading the design and technical development of packaging solutions for new and existing products. Collaborating with project teams and vendors to recommend, assess, and validate packaging proposals. Creating comprehensive specifications and maintaining accurate bills of materials. Providing support to production facilities to resolve issues and optimize designs. Managing a portfolio of low‑to‑medium complexity commercial projects requiring strong packaging principles.

• Lead the development of new packaging designs and enhancements to existing packaging, focusing on cost reduction, manufacturing performance improvements, and innovation across primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
• Manage relationships with packaging suppliers to ensure effective project execution and recommend or qualify new suppliers as needed.
• Define, maintain, and update packaging specifications and protocols to ensure material consistency.
• Assist in, coordinate, and execute line trials at appropriate manufacturing facilities to validate quality attributes and performance metrics.
• Provide technical expertise for small to mid‑scale operational challenges related to packaging, collaborating directly with operations and suppliers to identify root causes of recurring issues.
• Design, review, evaluate, and test various packaging proposals.
• Serve as a vital contributor and maintain strong connections with Ken’s Foods Sales, Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.
• Identify and implement opportunities to standardize materials, thereby reducing complexity and enabling volume‑leveraged pricing for packaging components.
• Apply knowledge to new or ambiguous situations to resolve problems and advance projects.
• Participate in relevant industry organizations and attend trade shows or conferences to enhance professional knowledge.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety; foster a culture of safety and ensure a safe workplace environment.

• Lead by example to ensure highest quality manufacturing practices.
• Ensure team members follow all Ken’s Food Safety and GMP policies.
• Ensure all work is completed in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Ensure team members produce product free of contamination.
• Ensure team members report any suspicious activities anywhere in or around the plant.
• Ensure team members inspect work area for possible product contamination issues continuously.

BS/MS in Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

3‑10 years of experience in Packaging Development.

• Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Solid understanding and experience with paperboard, corrugate, film, and plastic packaging materials.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks at once and learn to leverage others to accomplish goals.
• Ability to anticipate needs, understand business priorities, and prioritize own time across projects.
• Diligent, strong follow‑up skills.
• Initiative‑taking, discovering solutions, delivering results effectively.

$80,000‑$110,000 annually.

Employment contingent upon successful completion of drug test, background screening, and pre‑employment assessment.