Packaging Engineer

WK Kellogg•Battle Creek, MI

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 119 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort. The Packaging Engineer manages and leads the packaging equipment scope development and specification [Front End Loadings (FELs) and Technical Briefs] of multiple small to medium sized packaging engineering projects. Provides technical support and equipment technology expertise for Packaging Engineering issues to plants and projects. Technical influence and impact will be companywide. Typically manages multiple small and several medium size projects of medium complexity and works with support of a Sr. Engineer on a corporate and/or complex, large project. Typically requires 30-50 percent travel. Reports to Group Engineering Manager or Director. Does not have people management responsibility. Key project team member. Primary internal contacts are Processing Engineer, Packaging Materials, Marketing, Project Plant Liaisons, & Capital Director. Primary external contacts are equipment vendors, contract manufacturers and Engineering Service Providers. This is a Hybrid role that requires the incumbent to live within sixty miles of the Battle Creek, Michigan Headquarter Office. This incumbent must have the ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position. Must be able to use effective verbal and written communication skills on a daily basis. Must have the ability to work in conditions that include multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities, extended work schedules, and specific time constraints. Ability to lead, align, manage, resolve conflict, and work in an ever-changing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; mechanical degree a plus.
Ability to make recommendations on new products, processes and technologies (including sustainable packaging solutions).
Understands competitive set and competitor technology differences.
Ability to apply market trends to innovation plan.
Develops the plan for completing the product development phase of a project.
Provides significant input toward resolving conflicts in the project timeline.
Manages conflicts between timelines of different projects.
Prepares plans and reports to effectively coordinate work with plants, suppliers, and supply chain.
Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems that arise during plant testing and scale-up.
Communicates effectively to influence project direction and management.
Understands when to bring together key players to resolve project related issues.
Functions effectively as a project team member and technical expert.
Able to facilitate the participation of appropriate resources in project completion.

Nice To Haves

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and/or Project Management experience a PLUS.

Responsibilities

Drive technical solutions for Growth/Innovation and Supply Chain, through delivery of cost-effective, high-quality scope (FELs, Tech Briefs) and effective team collaboration.
Deliver project accountabilities through effective risk management, drive scope alignment, leverage technical expertise (SMEs, Platform Leads) and standard designs and specifications.
Start to become an expert in one or more complete production systems and multiple unit operations. Collaborate as a SME, team leader, or Platform Leader.
Provides information on technical issues with plants and project teams and has influence on technical aspects of projects. Influence may be companywide.
Advance technologies and standard/specs for areas of expertise to drive efficiencies, reliability and lower cost.
Leverage the people network, plant network, vendors, technologies and experts around you to excel in your job and bring best value solutions for WK Kellogg.
Mentor and coach other engineers to advance the overall technical capability of the group.
Learn and apply people safety and food safety standards and principles.
Manage your career through self-initiated planning and training with the long-term view of having technically broad and deep expertise.
Effectively use WK Kellogg tools and project flow documents.
Embrace, model, and encourage use of our WK Values and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Principles, to make WK Kellogg Engineering a better place to work, grow, and contribute to Supply Chain and company goals.