Packaging Engineering Lead

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Packaging Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the development, commercialization, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for the company’s portfolio of pretzels, churros, cookies, and other food products across retail, club, e-commerce, and foodservice channels. Operating in a fast-paced consumer packaged goods environment, this role partners closely with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, sustainable, and automation-ready packaging solutions. These solutions must protect product quality, support shelf-life requirements, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the consumer experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides technical expertise and partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to design and develop packaging systems, including flow wrapping, vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS), case and carton forming, case packing, and palletizing systems.
• Plans, designs, tests, and validates new packaging processes while continuously improving and optimizing existing processes.
• Designs packaging line processes that support current packaging matrix requirements while allowing flexibility for future products and packaging formats.
• Researches and evaluates emerging packaging technologies, equipment, formats, and innovations.
• Identifies opportunities for automation and prepare capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, including return-on-investment analyses, for new equipment and packaging line modifications.
• Initiates requests for quotation (RFQs) and collaborates with Product Development teams to establish equipment specifications, operating parameters, and performance requirements.
• Partners with equipment vendors, corporate project managers, and operations teams to support packaging equipment installation, startup, and successful commissioning.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that increase equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance.
• Leads root cause analysis investigations for recurring equipment or process issues and develop and implement effective corrective actions.
• Identifies cost-reduction opportunities and develop business plans to achieve and sustain the associated savings.
• Manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, providing clear status updates, technical recommendations, and risk assessments to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Performs other duties and special projects assigned by the VP of Engineering.

COMPETENCIES:

To succeed in this role, the Packaging Engineering Lead must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:

• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, schedule management, vendor coordination, and cost control.
• Ability to develop and clearly present business cases, including ROI analyses and capital expenditure justifications.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including Operations, Quality, Engineering, and senior leadership.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to others.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Experience commercializing packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Knowledge of secondary packaging equipment and formats.
• Experience designing packaging for automated, high-speed lines.
• Proficiency with CAD software.
• Knowledge of OEE metrics and packaging line optimization.
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.

TRAVEL:

This position is based in La Vergne, TN. Domestic and international travel is required to support projects and initiatives, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 25%, depending on business needs.

Pay range: $120,000-$130,000