R&D Packaging

So Good So You • Minneapolis, MN

1d • $90,000 - $120,000

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Packaging Engineer to lead packaging innovation and optimization across our portfolio. This role owns the development, testing, and commercialization of new and existing packaging solutions along with packaging specifications and technical troubleshooting. The Packaging R&D Engineer works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions that perform in real manufacturing environments while upholding So Good So You’s mission-driven values.

At So Good So You, it is our mission to care for our bodies and the planet. We also believe that work should be enjoyable. We have a fun, high-performance environment rooted in doing more good together, celebrating curiosity, and focusing on what matters. This value set is the secret behind our incredible growth, amazing team, and why the future looks even brighter.

As a Packaging R&D Engineer, you’ll own the development, testing, and commercialization of packaging solutions from feasibility through launch, supporting both day-to-day manufacturing needs and long-term scale. You’ll:
Lead end-to-end packaging development across new and existing formats, from concept and material selection through validation, line trials, and commercialization.
Design packaging solutions that perform across both automated and manual packing environments, balancing sustainability, usability, throughput, and cost.
Collaborate with Marketing on packaging format, branding elements, and consumer experience to ensure product and packaging alignment with market strategy.
Develop and maintain packaging specifications that meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
Support plant trials, capital projects, and on-the-floor troubleshooting in close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and QA.
Conduct functional testing and material qualification to ensure packaging performance, manufacturability, and supply continuity.
Drive cost-savings and optimization initiatives across packaging materials, formats, and suppliers while managing multiple vendor relationships.
Manage technical timelines, proactively identifying risks, trade-offs, and dependencies to keep projects on track in a fast-moving environment.
Champion sustainability at every stage of packaging and system design, embedding So Good So You’s zero-waste and renewable energy commitments into practical, scalable solutions.

Experienced Packaging R&D Engineer and systems thinker who thrives in fast-moving, build-and-scale environments. You bring a hands-on, pragmatic approach to problem-solving and understand that smart packaging decisions are critical to product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability. You also:
Take end-to-end ownership of packaging development—from material selection and supplier qualification through line trials, validation, and commercialization.
Make intentional, data-driven decisions, recognizing that material choices, design trade-offs, and process optimization directly impact cost, performance, and environmental footprint.
Understand the realities of beverage manufacturing and enjoy working close to production to solve real problems in real time.
Collaborate effectively across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners to meet customer, consumer, and regulatory requirements.
Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels, from operators on the floor to senior leadership, translating technical detail into actionable insights.
Balance near-term execution and troubleshooting with longer-term innovation and platform development as the business scales.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering / R&D with hands-on involvement in development, testing and commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience across multiple packaging formats and materials, including:
• Beverage bottle packaging / technology
• Flexible and paper-based packaging
• Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
• Strong understanding of packaging development processes, including material selection, validation, line trials, and launch.
• Experience designing packaging solutions compatible with both automated and manual packing environments.
• Proven ability to create and maintain technical documentation, including packaging specifications, drawings, and test protocols.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and FDA regulatory requirements within food and beverage manufacturing.
• Working proficiency with CAD and packaging design tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%, including on-site support in Inver Grove Heights, MN, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PET Bottles
• Experience with aluminum can packaging
• Working knowledge of manufacturing packaging equipment
• Experience with eco-friendly, recyclable, or compostable packaging solutions.
• Experience leading new packaging line start-ups, extensions, and equipment upgrades
• Spanish language proficiency—ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking team members is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end packaging development across new and existing formats, from concept and material selection through validation, line trials, and commercialization.
• Design packaging solutions that perform across both automated and manual packing environments, balancing sustainability, usability, throughput, and cost.
• Collaborate with Marketing on packaging format, branding elements, and consumer experience to ensure product and packaging alignment with market strategy.
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications that meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Support plant trials, capital projects, and on-the-floor troubleshooting in close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and QA.
• Conduct functional testing and material qualification to ensure packaging performance, manufacturability, and supply continuity.
• Drive cost-savings and optimization initiatives across packaging materials, formats, and suppliers while managing multiple vendor relationships.
• Manage technical timelines, proactively identifying risks, trade-offs, and dependencies to keep projects on track in a fast-moving environment.
• Champion sustainability at every stage of packaging and system design, embedding So Good So You’s zero-waste and renewable energy commitments into practical, scalable solutions.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance and AD&D, Primary and Secondary Caregiver Leave
• Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of annual bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level