Packaging Engineer

ConAgra Foods•Chicago, IL

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you will identify, develop, and commercialize new, improved, and cost‑reduced packaging initiatives for the meat snacks packaging platform. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation, you will work across multiple packaging formats while supporting packaging‑driven projects, plant start‑ups, and capacity expansions. You will perform hands‑on package testing and prototyping in state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and pilot plants, owning assigned brands and spaces while collaborating with internal and external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods or food industry.
Additional packaging internship or cooperative experience.
Solid understanding of packaging material capabilities and packaging equipment.
Knowledge of packaging test methodology.
Strong collaboration skills with a focus on cross‑functional partnerships.
Strong analytical and logical problem‑solving skills.
Developing troubleshooting skills with comfort responding in dynamic situations.
Understanding of business principles.
Financial understanding to support profitability optimization.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Independently lead the technical delivery of multiple standard packaging projects.
Support technical projects with guidance from senior‑level engineers.
Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology.
Provide support to designated business groups to resolve packaging‑related issues.
Work directly with business partners including Brand, Finance, Product Development, and Quality on assigned brands.
Coordinate and execute experiments and plant trials; prepare written and oral technical reports with minimal supervision.
Interpret, develop, and issue technical packaging specifications.
Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments within the packaging industry.
Participate in brainstorming and information‑gathering efforts to support the resource planning process.
Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing new package ideas.
Maintain strong communication on projects with internal and external cross‑functional teams.
Gain familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans of the team.
Understand project tasks and how they impact project budgets.
Contribute as needed on cross‑functional teams.
Acquire working knowledge of packaging principles and operating systems for assigned platforms.