Director, Packaging Technology (Filling & Blow Molding)

fairlife•Goodyear, MI

About The Position

The Director of Packaging Technology – Filler & Blow Molding leads engineering and technical aspects of packaging equipment across multiple facilities, with a focus on low-acid aseptic bottle blowing and filling. The role supports procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and drives continuous improvement of existing operations. It calls for an engineering leader with substantial experience in low-acid aseptic manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and advanced packaging technologies. The director provides strategic and technical leadership for packaging systems, sets packaging design strategy and engineering standards, and guides equipment selection and capital project execution. The role works with cross-functional teams and suppliers to develop scalable, standardized packaging solutions, ensure compliance with regulatory, food-safety, and aseptic-processing requirements, and build packaging expertise across the organization. The position is based in Goodyear, Arizona; Webster, New York; or Coopersville, Michigan, reports to the VP, Process Technology, and requires 50–70% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline.
10+ years of experience in engineering, maintenance, or operations leadership roles within the food and beverage or manufacturing sector.
Extensive hands-on experience with low-acid aseptic bottling processes and blow molding equipment.
Proven track record leading cross-functional projects, including procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation of high-speed packaging equipment.
In-depth knowledge of aseptic filling technologies, blow molding equipment, and relevant regulatory standards, including FDA and USDA requirements.
Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Familiarity with validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ), sanitary design, clean-in-place (CIP), and sterilization-in-place (SIP) procedures.
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, engineering analysis tools, and maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs and manage performance.
Working knowledge of information technology and systems such as ERP, MRP, MES, SCADA, and business analytics.
Knowledge of packaging automation, signal exchange, robotics, and autonomous guided vehicles.
Proficiency in packaging materials, including PET, PE, sleeves, paperboard, corrugate, and plastic films.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and technical leadership for packaging systems in a high-speed, low-acid aseptic manufacturing environment, including bottle blowing, filling, packaging equipment, materials, and related technologies.
Lead packaging design strategy for new facilities, expansions, and capital projects, ensuring scalable, standardized, business-aligned solutions.
Develop packaging concepts, equipment requirements, and capability roadmaps for current and future manufacturing needs.
Establish and maintain packaging engineering standards, specifications, and governance across projects, facilities, and suppliers.
Serve as the technical authority for packaging system design, ensuring compliance with standards, regulatory requirements, food safety, and aseptic-processing needs.
Own packaging system design through execution, supporting procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, startup, and operational handoff.
Partner with Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and Project Management to deliver packaging solutions.
Develop URS documents, technical specifications, and bid packages; lead supplier evaluations, design reviews, and equipment selection.
Support capital project execution by managing technical risk, equipment integration, validation, acceptance criteria, and performance requirements.
Drive continuous improvement through operational data, root-cause analysis, lessons learned, and adoption of emerging packaging technologies.
Build organizational packaging expertise through standards, training, technical resources, and strategic supplier partnerships.
Provide senior-level technical leadership and align stakeholders on packaging strategy, design decisions, risks, and project goals.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective day one.
Supplemental health plans, including hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance.
Paid time off.
Paid parental leave and adoption assistance up to $10,000.
Parental support and family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
Wellness reimbursement up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses.
Employee Assistance Program for emotional wellbeing and work-life support.
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
Employer HSA funding for HDHP participants.
Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 and student loan repayment of $200 per month.
Learning and development programs.
Rewards and recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.