What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Equipment Expert Engineer position at Ferrara Candy Company, Inc.?
At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.
Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.
In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.
Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-/
Packaging Equipment Expert Engineer
- Engineer high-performance packaging lines: Lead specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning of cutting-edge packaging equipment.
- Drive automation and efficiency: Introduce new technologies to optimize throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance packaging quality.
- Ensure scalability: Design systems capable of supporting rapid global growth and high-volume production.
- Champion innovation: Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations to deliver packaging solutions that balance creativity, functionality, and manufacturability.
- Deliver results: Manage budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships to execute packaging projects on time and within scope.
- Support sustainability: Integrate energy-efficient equipment and sustainable packaging practices into system design.
- Lead commissioning: Oversee startup, testing, and operator training to ensure seamless integration into production.
- Partner across functions: Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, and Manufacturing teams to align packaging equipment with business needs and compliance standards.
- Technical mastery of packaging equipment design, automation, and high-speed line integration.
- Strong project management skills, with proven ability to lead large capital projects and vendor negotiations.
- Leadership capabilities with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and team development.
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills with a focus on root cause and continuous improvement.
- Clear, confident communicator able to influence across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
- Proficiency with CAD, project management tools, and equipment specification systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Packaging Engineering (Master’s preferred).
- 10 years of engineering experience in packaging within FMCG, food & beverage, or CPG industries.
- Proven track record in confectionary and food packaging equipment design, procurement, installation, and optimization.
- Experience with advanced automation, robotics, and integrated packaging systems.
- Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and external vendors.
- Knowledge of packaging material trends, sustainable design practices, and regulatory requirements.
- Hands-on experience with commissioning and ramp-up of large-scale packaging operations.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Salary : $98,843 - $138,381