Sr Packaging Engineer, R&D

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President of Research and Development, the Sr. Packaging Engineer designs, develops, and tests packaging for Gehl Food & Beverage products. This position works to ensure that the packaging is functional, cost-effective, and aligns with the company’s goals. The Sr. Packaging Engineering role is an enterprise-wide role which means this role owns the packaging for all product lines at each of the Gehl locations (California Natural Products in Lathrop, CA, Gehl Food & Beverage in Germantown, WI, and Gehl SE in Walterboro, SC).

Job Responsibilities

Collaborating with suppliers to source the materials needed for packaging designs

Staying current with the latest packaging trends and technologies, and incorporating them into designs when appropriate

Developing prototypes and conducting tests to assess the functionality and durability of new packaging designs

Documenting all aspects of the packaging design process for future reference and improvement

Reviewing materials and determining root cause and corrective action with vendors in response to quality issues on packaging components during production.

Ensuring that all packaging meets regulatory and industry standards

Create internal specifications for all packaging components.

Maintain a file of dielines and ensure that the proper dieline is being used through an artwork review process.

Accurately complete various customer and internal forms to assist with item master set up (IMS).

Coordinate the testing of packaging to ensure it can withstand various conditions, such as temperature changes, transportation, and storage using 3rd party vendors or internally where possible.

Contributes to the management of the R&D budget.

Adheres to GMP’s, Standard Operating Procedures, and Safety Regulations consistently.

Ensure compliance with plant safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements while following the company’s Good Manufacturing Processes.

Ensure that the required competencies to carry out these job functions affecting product legality, safety, and quality are met following the Quality Policy and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Technology and 5 years of progressively responsible R&D experience in a food manufacturing company.

Sensory sciene, salty snack, and non-GMO project experience preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Proven work experience as a packaging engineer or in a similar role.

Strong knowledge of packaging materials, machinery, and processes.

Demonstrated leadership skills, including coaching, accountability, resilience, and a strong team focus.

Technical writing and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent problem-solving, data collection, and analysis skills.

Demonstrated a sense of urgency and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to speak to a diverse audience spanning from peers to executive levels.

Ability to use data and analysis skills to draw conclusions and implement solutions.

Ability to work independently or as part of a team to accomplish organizational goals.

Proficiency in using a personal computer (PC) and related software, ideally Microsoft Office Software and Tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with and influence others in the organization.

Ability to interpret, communicate, and execute plans or instructions in a time-sensitive manner with limited direction and resources in a frequently changing environment.