Packaging Engineer
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world’s leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.
Hearthside’s exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!
Packaging Engineer Job Summary:
Hearthside Food Solutions, a leading contract and private label manufacturer of various bakery products, is seeking an energetic and ambitious Packaging Engineer to join our team. This position reports to the Sr. Packaging Engineer and will support a multi-site manufacturing organization while working as part of a cross-functional team. This is a great role for a candidate looking to make a difference in one of the nation’s largest privately held bakery.
This dynamic role within our Research & Development team presents a unique opportunity for an emerging leader to take charge of packaging development. You’ll be empowered to lead packaging initiatives around commercialization, innovation, cost savings, sustainability and safety. Working with product development, manufacturing, engineering, sales, and finance you will deliver optimized packaging solutions that preserve and enhance the presence of our bakery portfolio on shelf.
Key Responsibilities:
- Packaging Development across various food products and categories with a focus on bakery items.
- Responsible for leading the design, development, and qualification of packaging solutions considering product protection, cost, shelf presence, consumer interaction, machineability and transportation.
- Generate packaging related documentation, including material specifications, technical protocols/reports, and test methods.
- Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, operational efficiency, transportation, and storage.
- Identify and execute opportunities for standardization and consolidation of packaging designs within the network.
Key Competencies:
- Thrives working in a fast-paced environment on a variety of projects and adaptable to changes.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and take lead, prioritizing the work and meeting project timelines.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify solutions and develop risk mitigation plans.
- Ability to create and present effective one-pager summaries to sales and customers.
- Strong interpersonal relationship skills.
- Detail oriented with strong project management skills.
- Collaborates well with internal and external cross-functional teams.
Qualifications:
- BS in Packaging Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Plastics Engineering or equivalent.
- 3+ years of experience within food/consumer packaging.
- Solid knowledge of various packaging structures and applications, including flexible films, paperboard, thermoformed plastics, and corrugated materials.
- Technical understanding of various packaging equipment including flow wrappers, cartoners, case packers, case erectors, vertical form-fill-seal, and palletization equipment.
- Strong knowledge of printing processes and prepress design.
- Understanding of ASTM, TAPPI, and ISTA testing procedures and methodologies.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment and conducting productive plant trials.
- Proficient in TOPS or CAPE software and MS Office Suite.
- Domestic and international travel required as needed.
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Other details
- Job Family Individual Contributor
- Pay Type Salary
- Travel Required Yes
- Required Education Bachelor’s Degree
- Downers Grove, 3333 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America