Principal Packaging Engineer - Keurig

Job Overview

The Spartanburg operation is a state‑of‑the‑art coffee roasting, pod packaging, and beverage distribution facility, and is the largest KDRP coffee manufacturing and distribution site. The facility operates using the principles of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean Manufacturing, and High‑Performance Teams. All associates are expected to demonstrate ownership and accountability for both site operations and their functional responsibilities. The site utilizes advanced enterprise IT systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), highly automated processing and packaging technologies, and standardized lean processes.

The Principal Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining technical solutions, standards, and continuous improvement initiatives related to packaging operations. This role ensures effective application of TPM methodologies, supports system reliability, and collaborates with cross‑functional teams including Engineering, R&D, Commercialization, IT, Quality, Production, and Maintenance. The Packaging Engineer drives improvements that support safety, quality, productivity, financial performance, and capacity growth.

• Develop, implement, and sustain improvements to packaging systems, including mechanical, electrical, process, IT, and OT components.
• Establish and maintain tools and systems for measuring equipment and packaging performance.
• Conduct periodic audits to verify compliance with established packaging standards and system functionality.
• Ensure packaging systems meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects using Lean and TPM methodologies (A3, RCA, SMED, DMAIC, etc.).
• Identify and execute improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Evaluate CI project outcomes and ensure sustainability of implemented solutions.

• Partner with OEMs to maintain up‑to‑date systems, documentation, training, and maintenance practices aligned with production needs.
• Participate in multifunctional project teams involving Production, Maintenance, Distribution, Quality Assurance, and administrative functions.
• Share best practices with other KDP manufacturing sites and incorporate learnings into Spartanburg operations.

• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to develop training materials and deliver technical training related to filling and packaging technologies.
• Provide coaching and technical support to High‑Performance Teams to strengthen equipment ownership and operational capability.

• Report food safety, quality, and regulatory concerns to appropriate personnel with authority to initiate corrective action.
• Ensure adherence to KDP policies, safety standards, ergonomic guidelines, and operational procedures.
• Support alignment with corporate continuous improvement standards and methodologies.

• Follow all KDP safety, ergonomic, and operational policies.
• Support corporate continuous improvement initiatives to ensure process consistency.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.

• Approximately 75% of time spent on the production floor (standing, walking) and 25% in office/computer work.
• Occasional travel required.

• Salary range: $96,800 - $133,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility
• Benefits eligible Day 1!

• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering or Manufacturing discipline preferred).
• 5-7 years of experience in a packaging‑based manufacturing environment.
• TPM and/or Lean Manufacturing training preferred.

• Strong knowledge of packaging system…