Sr. Packaging Engineer

Sr. Packaging Engineer Position Overview

LCE is assisting our client with finding a qualified candidate for this role. As Sr. Packaging Engineer, you will lead sugar packaging operations at our client’s world‑class manufacturing facility in Savannah, GA. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer and strategic leader who can troubleshoot the toughest packaging challenges, identify root causes, design innovative solutions, and implement cutting‑edge automation that drives measurable efficiency gains.

• Provide both strategic direction and hands‑on leadership to all aspects of sugar packaging operations.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control‑related packaging equipment issues.
• Oversee packaging line optimization to maximize throughput, reduce downtime, and ensure equipment reliability.
• Evaluate, design, and implement next‑generation automation solutions – robotics, vision systems, servo‑driven controls, and intelligent monitoring.
• Continuously analyze OEE and line performance data to identify bottlenecks and drive measurable productivity improvements.
• Partner with global equipment suppliers and integrators to benchmark and implement world‑class technologies.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control systems to ensure high‑quality sugar packaging.
• Ensure packaging lines meet or exceed all regulatory, safety, and food‑grade standards.
• Build, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing packaging team with a culture rooted in safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Train and empower engineers and technicians in advanced troubleshooting and automation technologies.
• Help develop and manage operating budgets, capital projects, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on long‑term strategic plans to elevate the company’s position as an industry leader in packaging and automation.
• Lead sustainability initiatives that reduce waste, energy use, and environmental impact.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, industry standards, and safety protocols.
• Anticipate and mitigate operational risks through proactive maintenance, redundancy planning, and system design improvements.
• Champion a "find it and fix it permanently" culture.

We are seeking a proven manufacturing and packaging leader with a record of achieving breakthrough results in a high‑performance, food‑grade operation. This individual combines technical depth with strategic leadership, excelling equally on the production floor.

• 15+ years in food manufacturing, with at least 10 years in leadership or senior engineering capacity.
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in packaging equipment (form/fill/seal, bagging, labeling, palletizing, etc.).
• Understanding of motion control, PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens), robotics, and automation integration.
• Experience in sugar or powder packaging operations strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Packaging Engineering.

• Exceptional technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver both short‑term results and long‑term transformation.
• Strong analytical capabilities; comfortable interpreting production data, performance KPIs, and technical schematics.
• Outstanding communicator and cross‑functional collaborator.
• Results‑driven, innovative, and passionate about operational excellence.

• Ability to freely access all areas of the plant.
• Ability to move or handle various items throughout the plant generally weighing between 0‑50 pounds. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work varied hours and days as necessary to oversee operations.

Life Cycle Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, application for or service in the military or status as a disabled veteran or veteran, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.