Associate Packaging Engineer

Talking Rain Beverage Co®, makers of Sparkling Ice•Preston, WA

2d•$92,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Associate Packaging Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the research, development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions for products within the organization. We are passionate about sustainability, creativity, and excellence in everything we do. We are currently seeking a motivated and talented Associate Packaging Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to our packaging development and improvement efforts. Here, you’ll drive, leveraging your technical knowledge of packaging material and packaging process, to commercialize products across our co-pack network.

Requirements

2+ years of packaging engineering experience, ideally in Consumer-Packaged Goods.
Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Ability to read and generate insights from engineering drawings and raw material documentation.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
Proficiency in using software tools for packaging design and analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical findings for both engineering and non-technical audiences.
Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for collaboration with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Self-motivated with a continuous-improvement mindset and attention to detail.
This role is safety-sensitive. This means that you'll be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse or plant environment).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with beverage packaging formats and filling/sealing technologies (e.g., canning lines, PET filling, secondary and tertiary packaging) is a plus.
Passion for sustainability practices and trends in packaging is advantageous.
Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards in packaging and labeling.

Responsibilities

Maintain and update packaging specifications for all package formats (cans, PET, cartons, corrugate trays, wraps, multi-packs, etc.), including dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance requirements.
Review and approve engineering drawings, material dielines, and specification sheets in alignment with brand, regulatory, and co-manufacturer requirements.
Support new product development (NPD) and packaging renovation projects by translating design intent into manufacturable specifications.
Maintain active technical relationships with packaging material suppliers, facilitating specification alignment and problem resolution.
Serve as the day-to-day technical point of contact for packaging-related inquiries from internal and external parties, including co-manufacturers, providing guidance on specification interpretation and issue resolution.
Conduct on-site line assessments and trials at co-manufacturer facilities to evaluate packaging runability, identify sources of downtime or defects, and develop improvement plans.
Contribute to the development and revision of internal standards, SOPs, work instructions, and test methods related to packaging quality.
Identify and champion cost-reduction and sustainability improvement opportunities within the packaging portfolio without compromising quality or performance.
Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues.
Complete other responsibilities as assigned.