Packaging Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Packaging Engineer

Location : Knoxville, TN

Industry : Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Target Pay Range : $90K-$130K

Employment Type : Full-Time

Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead the development, qualification, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems across our operations. This role is a key technical authority and hands-on contributor supporting packaging design, supplier qualification, plant implementation, and packaging-related food safety and quality issues.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with experience in packaging for food, beverage, or consumer goods. You’ll work cross-functionally with operations, quality, R&D, and supply chain to ensure packaging materials and processes meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Specifications & Technical Ownership (50%)

Own and manage packaging material and equipment specifications

Lead packaging qualification and validation activities

Provide technical oversight for supplier assessments and integrate packaging controls into manufacturing

Develop and maintain pallet configuration, truck loading, stretch film, and MOD pallet requirements

Act as a technical liaison between suppliers and plant operations

Lead supplier-focused technical teams and plant trials

Projects & Continuous Improvement (30%)

Support new packaging development and cost-savings initiatives

Conduct pilot trials, verification tests, and performance analysis

Assist with the qualification of new suppliers and materials

Drive packaging-related process improvements in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

Stay current with industry innovations and implement best practices

Manufacturing & Problem Solving (20%)

Own the seaming program across different can sizes and lines

Troubleshoot packaging performance issues internally and at co-manufacturer sites

Support packaging line studies and capacity enhancements

Assist with equipment design, installation, and commissioning for packaging applications

Evaluate new technologies and process enhancements for packaging

Qualifications

Education :

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, or related field (with packaging emphasis)

Experience :

3+ years in food, beverage, or CPG industry

Background in manufacturing, product development, or technical services

Preferred Certifications :

Six Sigma or other continuous improvement training

Better Process Control School (BPCS)

Food Safety or Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong systems / process mindset and technical writing ability

Proficiency in packaging validation and statistical process control (SPC)

Effective communicator across technical and non-technical groups

Hands-on and collaborative approach to plant operations

Experience in hermetic sealing and metal can packaging is a plus

Strong time management, problem solving, and cross-functional leadership

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.