Packaging Engineer - R&D

KIND Snacks•Chicago, IL

1d•$85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

This role will be responsible for leading the development and launch of innovations, renovations, productivity, and quality improvements for KIND North America. You will assess desirability/feasibility/viability in all pack design decisions and appropriately communicate risks to project teams and key stakeholders. You identify new opportunities for cost savings and value creation and provide technical support to external manufacturing sites for quality, process, and equipment issues. You will have a visible impact to the Packaging Organization and help bring fresh thinking to evolve our processes and Ways of Working.

Requirements

A BS or MS degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or a related degree
At least 3 years of relevant concept to launch experience
At least 3 years of relevant experience in package engineering, development and manufacturing qualification, start-up & new product projects
Strong foundational knowledge in packaging materials, processes, and equipment
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Familiarity with the activities in Marketing, Market Research, Legal/Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Data visualization and AI tools a plus
The ability to travel up to 30-40%

Nice To Haves

Previous Food packaging experience
Geographical proximity to the NY HQ office or one of the major production facilities
Previous Innovation/Renovation experience

Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership You bring technical expertise and knowledge to the organization You develop supplier relationships and stay abreast of industry trends and technology developments to leverage outside ideas and technical solutions You network with the global R&D community to share and utilize best practices
Technical Leadership You plan, execute, and manage prototyping, development, pilot production, and scale-up to plant implementation of innovation and renovation initiatives. You provide technical leadership to Manufacturing and Quality for commissioning and start-up activities You execute well thought-out trial plans, collect data, and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward; develop robust action plans, risk assessment, and contingency planning
You challenge the status quo and our “ways of work” to maximize resources and enhance our success
A strong sense of urgency and a can-do attitude
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to all levels of the organization
A consumer-centric approach to design and development
An experimenter with a Test & Learn mentality
Able to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive outlook
Able to demonstrate prudent judgment when making important decisions by utilizing knowledge of industry best practices and current trends
Excellent at planning and prioritization skills with the ability to multi-task and rapidly adapt
Genuine in your desire to help make the world a KINDer place, committing to always spreading and celebrating KINDness

Benefits

401(K) or RRSP's with generous company match
Flexible Paid Time Off. Choose what works best for you, including summer hours.
Paid parental leave.
Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you & your family’s needs
Company paid disability and life insurance to provide income protection
Your health is important! Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing via programs like Employee Assistance Program, a wellness subsidy, healthy food options and gym facility in HQ.
Casual office dress code– feel free to wear your KIND gear
Stock up on your favorite KIND bars to share with your family & friends, through a quarterly voucher
Training & tuition reimbursement program, because continuing to learn matters and we support your development
A dynamic, ambitious, fun and KIND work environment
Charitable Donation Matching: KIND matches your charitable donations up to $1000 annually through our donation matching portal.