Job Description

Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Location: Knoxville, TN

Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Target Pay Range: $80K-$100K

Employment Type: Full-Time

Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead the development, qualification, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems across our operations. This role is a key technical authority and hands-on contributor supporting packaging design, supplier qualification, plant implementation, and packaging-related food safety and quality issues.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with experience in packaging for food, beverage, or consumer goods. You’ll work cross-functionally with operations, quality, R&D, and supply chain to ensure packaging materials and processes meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Specifications & Technical Ownership (50%)

• Own and manage packaging material and equipment specifications
• Lead packaging qualification and validation activities
• Provide technical oversight for supplier assessments and integrate packaging controls into manufacturing
• Develop and maintain pallet configuration, truck loading, stretch film, and MOD pallet requirements
• Act as a technical liaison between suppliers and plant operations
• Lead supplier-focused technical teams and plant trials

Projects & Continuous Improvement (30%)

• Support new packaging development and cost-savings initiatives
• Conduct pilot trials, verification tests, and performance analysis
• Assist with the qualification of new suppliers and materials
• Drive packaging-related process improvements in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Stay current with industry innovations and implement best practices

Manufacturing & Problem Solving (20%)

• Own the seaming program across different can sizes and lines
• Troubleshoot packaging performance issues internally and at co-manufacturer sites
• Support packaging line studies and capacity enhancements
• Assist with equipment design, installation, and commissioning for packaging applications
• Evaluate new technologies and process enhancements for packaging

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, or related field (with packaging emphasis)

Experience:

• 3+ years in food, beverage, or CPG industry
• Background in manufacturing, product development, or technical services

Preferred Certifications:

• Six Sigma or other continuous improvement training
• Better Process Control School (BPCS)
• Food Safety or Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong systems/process mindset and technical writing ability
• Proficiency in packaging validation and statistical process control (SPC)
• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical groups
• Hands-on and collaborative approach to plant operations
• Experience in hermetic sealing and metal can packaging is a plus
• Strong time management, problem solving, and cross-functional leadership

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. #infood

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