Packaging Engineer I

Basic American Foods•Blackfoot, ID

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer I will help execute packaging development, commercialization, maintenance, and cost improvement projects by coordinating packaging samples, testing, specifications, plant trials, and technical documentation. The role applies foundational knowledge of packaging materials and formats including flexible films, thermoform materials, paperboard, corrugate, labels, and other food packaging components. As part of R&D, the Packaging Engineer I works with Product Development, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, packaging suppliers, and external manufacturing partners to help ensure packaging solutions meet food safety, quality, cost, manufacturability, and customer requirements. This is an individual contributor position intended for an early-career engineer with some packaging, manufacturing, or food/CPG experience after college. Although the ideal candidate would work on-site at our Blackfoot, Idaho location, a fully remote role may be considered for applicants living in metro areas within easy traveling distance to southeast Idaho, such as Boise or Salt Lake City.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field
1-3 years of packaging development, packaging engineering, or manufacturing support experience; food, CPG, or regulated manufacturing experience preferred. Internship or co-op experience may be considered.
Foundational knowledge of packaging materials and substrates including flexible films, rigid and flexible plastic, paperboard, corrugated, labels, and related food packaging components.
Basic understanding of package conversion processes, packaging equipment interactions, and package graphics and printing processes.
Familiarity with food-contact packaging considerations, GMPs, SQF requirements, and packaging quality requirements preferred.
Familiarity with packaging testing such as seal integrity, barrier properties, compression, palletization, distribution, and shelf-life support testing; ASTM or ISTA exposure preferred.
Basic project management experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; experience with specification databases, PLM, ERP, CAD, or palletization software preferred.
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Responsibilities

Support assigned packaging development, commercialization, maintenance, cost savings, and continuous improvement projects under the direction of the Packaging Development Manager.
Assist in developing, updating, and maintaining packaging material specifications, palletizing specifications, packaging manufacturing specifications, and specification database records.
Coordinate packaging samples, supplier information, test requests, lab evaluations, plant trials, and project documentation needed to support packaging changes and new product commercialization.
Execute or support packaging testing for seal integrity, barrier properties, shelf-life support, compression, palletization, distribution, line performance, and material compatibility under guidance.
Participate in plant line trials and start-up support by collecting data, documenting observations, communicating results, and helping troubleshoot packaging material or performance issues.
Work as part of the R&D team with Product Development, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Marketing, external manufacturers, and packaging suppliers to support packaging project execution.
Support packaging cost savings, sustainability, source reduction, and material optimization initiatives by gathering data, testing alternatives, and documenting recommendations.