Packaging Engineer

IFF•Clackamas, OR

9d•$80,276 - $114,680

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer provides technical leadership for finished-format packaging operations, including equipment, packaging materials, and inputs to contract manufacturing partners. The role supports optimal packaging-process performance across internal and external sites, contributes technical input to capital projects, and advances innovation in packaging formats and materials while maintaining operational and quality standards. The engineer serves as a subject matter expert on finished-format packaging equipment and materials, evaluates material compatibility with high-speed equipment, and establishes specifications and operating approaches that improve line performance. The role also provides troubleshooting support, helps plan preventive maintenance, manages packaging changes and qualifications, and coordinates production-condition trials to validate new formats and materials. The position works across engineering, operations, external manufacturing partners, Supply Chain, Quality, Production, and suppliers. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday and will be discussed during the interview. Business needs may require more than 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in packaging engineering within a manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, material properties, and preventive maintenance strategies.
Experience supporting capital projects and collaborating with global teams and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Legal right to work in the United States.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with regulatory and quality standards for dietary supplement or food packaging.
Continuous improvement mindset and ability to identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for finished-format packaging equipment, including bottling, blister, stick pack, and sachet equipment, and for packaging materials within the plant.
Evaluate and select packaging materials compatible with high-speed equipment.
Define and maintain critical material specifications to support consistent line performance.
Develop equipment setup and material-selection strategies to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
Align material selection with machine capabilities to minimize jams, defects, and variability.
Optimize material-to-machine interface settings, including tension, sealing parameters, and forming conditions.
Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to plant operations and external manufacturing partners as needed.
Diagnose and resolve material-related performance issues, such as tracking, tearing, seal failures, static, and curling.
Recommend material or supplier specification adjustments to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Provide technical input for packaging-related capital projects, including equipment upgrades and new installations.
Assess material compatibility with new or modified equipment.
Partner with engineering, operations, and external partners to execute projects within timelines and budgets.
Collaborate with teams and suppliers to develop or refine materials that meet equipment and operational requirements.
Support preventive maintenance planning for packaging lines and incorporate material performance considerations into maintenance strategies.
Manage changes to packaging components and materials, including labels, cartons, foils, sachets, and other printed or structural materials.
Lead material qualification and change-control processes to ensure machinability, quality, and compliance requirements are met.
Ensure label materials, adhesives, and roll specifications are compatible with label application equipment and standards.
Coordinate trials for new packaging formats and material validations.
Plan and execute production-condition line trials to validate material performance at required speeds.
Analyze trial results for efficiency, seal integrity, and defect reduction before implementation.
Collaborate with Supply Chain, Quality, and Production teams on packaging changes and reprints.
Develop and maintain material specifications and supplier expectations for consistency and performance.
Balance cost, sustainability, and operational efficiency when selecting and implementing packaging materials.