Packaging Engineer

San Francisco Bay Coffee•Lincoln, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing packaging solutions for roasted, ground and flavored coffee products in multiple package formats to ensure quality, freshness, and sustainability. This role involves working closely with Marketing, R&D, and Operations including production, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to design packaging solutions, solve technical packaging issues, improve packaging processes, reduce costs, and maintain compliance with food safety standards. Additionally, the role will lead and guide the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program across all participating states ensuring compliance at the lowest possible costs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Strong knowledge of Food Safety Regulations
Established project management skills
5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in food or beverage industry.
Knowledge of packaging materials (films, laminates, corrugated) and machinery
Familiarity with sustainability practices and food safety standards
Familiarity with EPR compliance across various states
Strong problem-solving and project management skills
Experience with coffee packaging technologies (degassing valves, vacuum sealing0
Proficiency in CAD software and packaging simulation tools
Understanding of automation and robotics in packaging lines
Knowledge of distribution channels and designing to customer requirements
Experience in strategic planning and execution
Knowledge of contracting, negotiating and change management
Travel up to 10%
System engineering
Manufacturing methods and procedures
Manufacturing environments experience a must
Deep understanding of packaging materials and systems
Willingness to work flexible schedule
Ability to motivate teams to produce quality work and simultaneously manage several projects
Hardware specifications
Manufacturing quality

Responsibilities

Packaging Design, Development and Testing
Develop innovative packaging solutions that preserve coffee freshness and meet brand standards
Design package structures for various package types including flexible films, cartons, cases, pallets and shippers
Select appropriate materials and technologies for coffee packaging (bags, boxes, labels etc)
Conduct package testing including ship tests to validate integrity and performance of package solutions
Create, manage and maintain packaging specifications including materials, dimensions, die lines and performance measures
Develop and evolve packaging program to comply with various EPR state laws
Supplier and External Partner Management
Develop technical and operational relationships with material and package suppliers
Work with suppliers’ R&D, technical and operational departments to develop and implement solutions to packaging issues
Work with internal procurement, operations and suppliers on cost savings initiatives
Track advancements in packaging/material technologies to provide innovative solutions
Process Optimization
Improve packaging line efficiency and reduce waste.
Implement automation and ergonomic solutions to enhance productivity
Troubleshoot and identify root causes of packing, machinery, and efficiency issues, implementing long term corrective actions
Quality and Compliance
Ensure packaging meets food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA) and sustainability goals
Conduct packaging testing for durability, shelf life, and barrier properties
Cost Management
Analyze packaging costs and identify opportunities for savings without compromising quality
Cross Functional Collaboration
Work with marketing on packaging aesthetics and branding
Work with R&D to support new product development
Presenting technical information
Project Management
Coordinate with supply chain for material sourcing and innovation
Ensures compliance of company policies, procedures, and objectives regarding processes, initiatives, and projects
Other duties may be assigned
Comply with all company policies and procedures, demonstrating a strong commitment to Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in support of product integrity, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.