Sr. Packaging Development Engineer II

HP Hood•Batavia, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

HP Hood is seeking an experienced Sr. Packaging Development Engineer – Level II to manage packaging development projects and provide technical guidance within a product category. The role applies packaging engineering principles, develops subject matter expertise for complex packaging issues, collaborates with internal stakeholders and suppliers, and mentors other engineers. The position supports packaging projects across business units, including ESL, Culture, Fluid, and Ice Cream, and helps bring customer-focused concepts and new products to market. The engineer leads packaging process improvements, specification and documentation work, data analysis, packaging testing, and qualification, validation, and verification (CQV) events. Responsibilities include troubleshooting packaging issues with production and quality teams, supporting supplier quality and validation, maintaining packaging specifications and lifecycle data in PLM systems, and advancing sustainability and extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiatives. The role also uses MRP and ERP systems, monitors regulations and industry developments, and supports operational effectiveness and cost-reduction improvements. Travel may be required as needed.

Requirements

10 or more years of food industry experience.
Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in a relevant scientific field.
Technical knowledge of packaging materials across all categories.
Extensive knowledge of Hood product packaging and line equipment.
Ability to manage multiple projects with multiple cross-functional partners.
Ability to use, share, and teach knowledge of packaging development, statistical analysis, DOE, and SPC.
Ability to author comprehensive packaging instructions and specifications.
Ability to effectively use root-cause analysis tools.
Comprehensive understanding of a technical segment of Hood products and its relationship to customer and consumer needs.
Ability to build strong relationships with external packaging suppliers, OEMs, EMC, Hood facilities, and cross-functional partners.
External competitive technical-segment knowledge to provide thought leadership and guidance to Packaging Development leadership.
Understanding of current and emerging trends and technologies that may affect Hood and create new opportunities.
Ability to recommend unit operations based on ingredients and technical packaging knowledge for preferred product designs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. degree.
Packaging Engineering degree.
Certifications such as Six Sigma, ELP, or CPP.

Responsibilities

Manage multiple packaging development projects and guide team members, ensuring consistent application of packaging engineering principles.
Execute packaging strategies and oversee projects across business units, including ESL, Culture, Fluid, and Ice Cream.
Develop subject matter expertise for complex packaging issues and opportunities and provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians.
Develop innovative packaging solutions and identify and implement sustainable packaging solutions aligned with company environmental goals.
Troubleshoot packaging issues with production and quality teams and resolve operational effectiveness issues involving packaging processes, materials, and equipment.
Manage financial and human capital resources appropriately.
Collaborate with vendors on new technologies and packaging specification best practices.
Lead process improvements related to packaging, PLM, and specifications.
Analyze packaging specification data and maintain databases to support accurate reporting to stakeholders.
Develop and maintain packaging specifications, documentation, and quality standards.
Coordinate packaging testing and CQV events to ensure durability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Advise and report on packaging trends related to consumer complaints and customer inquiries.
Engage cross-functionally to develop customer-to-concept packaging and bring new products to market.
Collaborate with R&D and Supply Chain leaders and ensure packaging meets production and consumer needs by assessing plant capabilities.
Use MRP and ERP systems to manage packaging materials, inventory, and production processes.
Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulations to support continuous improvement and innovation.
Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to improve packaging operations and reduce costs.
Travel as needed to support packaging projects and initiatives.
Support supplier quality activities, engage suppliers, and help determine appropriate paths forward.
Develop packaging best-practice standards with Packaging Development, Quality, and production facilities.
Define and develop test protocols and testing equipment to support cross-functional troubleshooting.
Support sustainability and EPR work, including data collection and identifying packaging-footprint improvement opportunities.
Lead the development and centralization of packaging specifications, ensuring alignment with quality processes, operational requirements, and regulatory and customer standards; manage specification and material change control.
Oversee packaging lifecycle data in the PLM system to ensure traceability, support continuous improvement, reduce costs and waste, and align with long-term strategies.
Maintain accessible centralized packaging specification documentation for internal teams and external partners.
Partner with Strategic Sourcing on RFQs and supplier validation.
Collaborate with suppliers to validate packaging materials, ensure quality compliance, and resolve discrepancies.
Monitor and update packaging compliance with evolving industry regulations and legal requirements.
Generate reports and dashboards tracking packaging quality, compliance, sustainability KPIs, and EPR readiness.
Lead activities addressing customer sustainability and EPR reporting requirements.