Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Packaging Engineer
Location: Knoxville, TN
Industry: Food & Beverage ManufacturingTarget Pay Range: $90K-$130K
Employment Type: Full-TimeBenefits: 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.