Packaging Engineering Lead

J&J Snack Foods•La Vergne, TN

2d•$120,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include such icons as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin’ Dots along with other key brands like LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, The Funnel Cake Factory Funnel Cakes, and Hola Churros. J&J also has a strong presence in bakery providing cakes, cookies, and pies to some of the largest grocery and convenience retailers in industry. Our company continues to deliver record sales led by a talented team and a commitment to “Fun Served Here”. POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Packaging Engineering Lead provides technical and strategic leadership for the design, development, optimization, and implementation of packaging solutions that support food safety, product quality, operational efficiency, customer requirements, and business objectives. This role is responsible for packaging materials, specifications, equipment integration, and packaging processes for new and existing products within a food manufacturing environment. Working cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and commercial teams, the Packaging Engineering Lead drives innovation, standardization, continuous improvement, cost reduction, and compliance with regulatory, safety, and sustainability requirements. This position also plays a key role in troubleshooting packaging-related issues, improving line performance, and ensuring packaging solutions meet both manufacturing and consumer expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of experience in Packaging R&D within CPG food manufacturing, preferably baked snacks.
Experience commercializing packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.
Knowledge of flexible films, rigid plastics, corrugate, closures, and palletization systems.
Experience designing packaging for automated high-speed lines and production equipment.
Proven experience leading capital projects collaborating cross-functionally.
Solid understanding of GMPs, HACCP, sanitary design, and food safety standards.
Strong business acumen, with the ability to connect packaging and process improvements to cost, yield, efficiency, and product quality outcomes.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including root cause analysis, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and plant leadership to drive alignment and sustainable operational change.
Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials, packaging equipment, and food manufacturing processes.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to clearly present recommendations, technical information, and project updates to internal teams and external partners.

Nice To Haves

MAP, club store, e-commerce, and foodservice packaging experience, preferred.
Packaging development software experience (TOPS, CAPE), a plus.

Responsibilities

Leads end-to-end packaging development for pretzels, churros, and cookies, from concept to product launch.
Designs packaging that preserves freshness, texture, and shelf-life while minimizing breakage and grease or sugar migration.
Develops packaging solutions optimized for high-speed, automated production and packaging lines, including flow wrap, VFFS, cartoning, thermoforming, and case packing.
Partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, and Procurement to ensure packaging is scalable, cost-effective, and optimized across multiple plants and co-manufacturers.
Conducts packaging trials, line validations, and distribution testing to verify package performance, durability, and operational efficiency.
Leads root cause analysis and resolution of packaging-related issues affecting quality, line performance, waste, or customer experience.
Identifies cost saving opportunities through material optimization, structural redesign, automation compatibility, and process improvements.
Supports sustainability initiatives, including recyclable packaging, PCR incorporation, and waste reduction.
Partners with packaging suppliers, converters, and equipment vendors to develop, test, qualify, and implement new packaging materials and technologies.
Maintains packaging specifications, technical drawings, and artwork approvals while ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory, customer, and brand requirements.
Establishes packaging standards and best practices to drive consistency and performance across manufacturing locations and co-manufacturing partners.
Provides packaging engineering support for equipment selection, line modifications, and capital projects related to packaging systems.
Manages multiple high-complexity projects, providing clear recommendations and updates to cross-functional stakeholders.
Serves as a technical resource and subject matter expert for packaging systems, materials, and processes.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the VP of Engineering.