Director, Packaging Technology (Filling & Blow Molding)

fairlife•Goodyear, AZ

2h•$180,000 - $200,000

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 in existing operations. It calls for an engineering leader with a strong background in low-acid aseptic manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and advanced packaging technologies. The director provides strategic and technical leadership for packaging systems and develops packaging strategies, concepts, equipment requirements, standards, and capability roadmaps for current and future manufacturing needs. This position serves as the technical authority for packaging system design and oversees design through execution, including supplier selection, project delivery, equipment qualification, startup, and handoff to operations. The role partners across functions and builds organizational packaging expertise through standards, training, technical resources, and supplier relationships. The position is based in Goodyear, Arizona; Webster, New York; or Coopersville, Michigan, and requires 50–70% travel. It reports to the VP, Process Technology.

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, with the 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 information 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, focusing on 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 using operational data, root-cause analysis, lessons learned, and emerging packaging technologies.
Build organizational packaging expertise through standards, training, technical resources, and strategic supplier partnerships.
Provide senior-level technical leadership and alignment 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 of 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 of 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 of 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.