Senior Packaging Engineer
About The Position
The Senior Packaging Engineer will lead the scoping and development of next-generation packaging technologies and materials across Mars Accelerator’s portfolio. Serving as the primary technical contact for cross-functional stakeholders, the role applies a consumer-centric approach to bringing packaging solutions from concept to shelf. It combines technical expertise with an entrepreneurial test-and-learn mindset to drive innovation, mentor talent, and improve packaging development practices. The position spans technical scoping, prototyping, development, pilot production, and Proof of Principle validation for packaging innovation and renovation projects. It also involves trial planning and execution, risk management, technical project leadership, supplier partnerships, and collaboration with Mars business-unit and global R&D communities. The role is onsite and requires willingness and ability to travel up to 30–40%.
Requirements
- BS or MS degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- At least 6 years of hands-on, concept-to-launch package engineering experience, including packaging development, manufacturing qualification, start-up, and scale-up for new product projects.
- Strong foundational knowledge of packaging materials, converting processes, and packaging equipment or machinery.
- Demonstrated familiarity working across Innovation, Sustainability, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Legal/Regulatory, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing.
- Strategic thinker with a test-and-learn mentality, able to work in a fast-paced, rapidly shifting environment with a strong sense of urgency.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills across organizational levels, with the ability to align diverse perspectives and drive consensus.
- Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving capabilities, with sound judgment informed by industry trends and best practices.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 30–40%.
Nice To Haves
- Prior packaging experience in the Food & Beverage industry.
- Hands-on experience developing novel, breakthrough materials or sustainable packaging technologies, including familiarity with EPR regulations and CA SB54.
- Experience navigating and driving impact within a matrixed organization.
- Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical scoping, prototyping, development, pilot production, and Proof of Principle validation for complex packaging innovation and renovation initiatives across the Accelerator portfolio.
- Design and execute trial plans, collect and analyze data, interpret technical results, and develop action and contingency plans to mitigate project risk.
- Serve as the packaging subject matter expert and technical liaison with Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Quality to bring packaging solutions to market.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, monitor industry trends and external technology breakthroughs, and integrate relevant packaging solutions.
- Coach and mentor junior engineering associates and foster technical capability and continuous learning.
- Improve packaging development processes, tools, and best practices across the department and enterprise.
- Connect with Business Unit and Global Mars R&D communities to share and implement packaging best practices.
Benefits
- Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
- Medical and dental benefits.
- Participation in a 401k plan.
- Paid time off benefits.
- Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
