Packaging Engineer

McCain Foods is hiring a Packaging Engineer in New Haven, CT. The role involves developing and testing sustainable packaging solutions for frozen food products, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. Candidates should have a degree in Packaging Engineering or related fields, 1-5 years of experience, and knowledge of packaging materials. The position requires occasional travel for supplier visits and production trials.
Position Title: Packaging Engineer
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Position Location: Oakbrook Terrace
Grade: Grade 04
Requisition : 35112
About the role
The Packaging Engineer will support the development, testing, and implementation of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for frozen food products. This role involves working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and marketing, to deliver cost-effective and high-quality packaging that meets safety, performance, and regulatory standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Packaging Development:
• Assist in the design and development of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for frozen food products.
• Optimize packaging materials and formats for functionality, cost, and sustainability.
• Conduct packaging testing to ensure compliance with performance standards, including product protection, shelf life, and functionality under frozen storage conditions.
• Spec Management and Technical Support:
• Support business continuity.
• Work closely with suppliers to source and test materials, ensuring alignment with company specifications.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues on production lines and propose effective solutions.
• Provide support during packaging line trials and scale-up activities.
• Support business continuity within the spec management systems.
• Sustainability Initiatives:
• Contribute to the development of sustainable packaging solutions to meet corporate and environmental goals.
• Research and recommend innovative materials and technologies for frozen food packaging.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with internal teams such as R&D, procurement, supply chain, and marketing teams to align packaging development with product and brand objectives.
• Support project management by tracking timelines, budgets, and deliverables related to packaging initiatives.

And all other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
• This job has no direct reports. Interacts with others using project management and managing by influence skills.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1-5 years of experience in packaging development, preferably in the food or consumer goods industry.
• Knowledge of packaging materials (e.g., plastics, paperboard, films) and their performance under frozen conditions.
• Familiarity with packaging testing methods, equipment, and standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Solid Works) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier visits, production trials, or training.

Preferred Skills
• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Understanding of production line equipment and processes.

About McCain.
At McCain, we're feeding the world: from French fries to cakes, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring our core values-Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality-shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do.

We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain!
Leadership Principles.
Our principles, each with related practices, guide our actions across the organization. Together, they address how McCain interacts with our customers and employees, and how we work as individuals and collectively to find success. While each role adheres to the Leadership Principles, individual roles may focus more on a specific principle or principles.
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