Packaging Scientist (Multiple Levels)
About The Position
Hormel Foods is hiring at the Associate Packaging Scientist, Packaging Scientist, or Senior Packaging Scientist level, with the level determined by the candidate’s skills and experience. The role organizes, plans, directs, and conducts research in packaging technologies to develop improved and innovative packaging applications in support of company goals. It also provides technical advice and assistance to professional and non-professional personnel. The position develops and implements packaging systems, evaluates packaging materials and designs for cost savings, troubleshoots complex packaging problems, and improves packaging efficiency across the company. It collaborates with functions including Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing, as well as packaging vendors and suppliers, and coordinates project work with Research Technicians. The role is based in Austin, Minnesota, or Northbrook, Illinois.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field.
- Project management skills and the ability to lead and run projects smoothly.
- Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, and creativity.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Understanding of basic scientific principles.
- Strong analytical, time-management, and record-keeping skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts effectively to a nontechnical audience.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States.
- Must not now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa.
Nice To Haves
- Packaging equipment and/or processing experience.
- Knowledge of package sustainability, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Responsibilities
- Identify, facilitate, devise, and conduct packaging research leading to development and implementation of new packaging systems.
- Maintain competency in current packaging technology and broad packaging theory, and assess the feasibility of applying technologies to company products.
- Investigate, recommend, and implement packaging cost-saving programs by evaluating packaging-material enhancements and design considerations.
- Provide technical service and troubleshooting for packaging problems at company facilities that exceed the scope of plant or corporate personnel.
- Serve as a resource and advisor to other Packaging Scientists and company personnel.
- Develop and plan systems to improve packaging efficiencies across the corporation.
- Enter and manage packaging specifications for company products, and potentially develop software and catalogue systems to collect data about packaging materials and package attributes.
- Facilitate practical packaging-technology applications through interaction with Engineering, Operations, Marketing, Purchasing, and other company areas.
- Oversee the development and integration of packaging technologies with vendors and suppliers.
- Coordinate and plan project work on a daily basis with Research Technicians.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Discretionary annual merit increases.
- Bonuses and profit sharing.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Stock purchase plan.
- Paid time off.
- Free two-year community or technical college tuition for children of employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
