Packaging Engineer

Freshpack•Monticello, WI

18h

About The Position

Want to design packaging that actually runs in production? At Freshpack, you’ll turn ideas into real products on the shelf. We have an opening for a Packaging Engineer to join our team. The Packaging Engineer is a key member of the Product Development team, responsible for the development, validation, and specification of packaging systems used in new and existing products. Freshpack is a custom cheese packaging company that develops and innovates cheese products and packaging. Our products can be found in all 50 states and in most major retailers. Over the past 25 years, our team has grown from 15 to 280+ employees. It is an exciting time to join our team, as we are poised for substantial growth over the next 3-5 years. Why This Role Matters This is a hands-on engineering role where you design packaging that actually runs on real equipment, at scale, in a fast-moving food manufacturing environment. You will take packaging from concept to production, solving real problems with materials, sealing, and performance to ensure products launch successfully and hold up in the real world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience working with packaging materials and packaging systems in a manufacturing environment
Understanding of packaging materials such as plastics, films, adhesives, labels, and corrugate
Familiarity with packaging trials, validation testing, and commercialization processes
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally across departments
Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Nice To Haves

Experience with food packaging systems, particularly refrigerated or dairy products preferred
Familiarity with packaging equipment such as filling, sealing, labeling, and case packing systems preferred
Experience working with packaging suppliers and evaluating new materials or packaging technologies preferred

Responsibilities

Design and develop packaging systems including: o Cups o Films o Trays o Labels o Secondary packaging (corrugate)
Define packaging specifications including: o Materials o Adhesives o Orientation o Rewind o Packaging BOM
Create or verify dielines and ensure packaging graphics meet equipment and structural tolerances
Lead technical collaboration with packaging suppliers on design, materials, and trials
Plan and execute packaging trials; validate seal integrity, performance, and compatibility with food products
Perform corrugate design and stack analysis to support distribution and palletization
Support scale-up and commercialization, troubleshooting packaging issues on the production floor
Identify and implement packaging cost optimization opportunities