Job Overview

The Packaging Engineer will support all aspects of packaging material and equipment. This position will report into our Abilene, Texas plant. The Engineer will interact with GLC departments as well as customers, vendors and co-packers while leading packaging projects from concept design through implementation.

Job Responsibilities

• Drive changes in packaging materials to maximize operating line speeds and efficiencies while reducing costs.

• Work collaboratively with procurement to determine vendor selection and drive qualification process while ensuring new materials comply to GLC standards and expectations.

• Evaluate research and develop new/alternate materials, process methods, equipment and technologies.

• Set-up and/or design for new products/packages for customers and producing plants.

• Provide operating guidelines and parameters for all packaging run conditions.

• Improve plant efficiencies through equipment automation.

• Standardize and manage specifications and procedures relating to packaging and machinery applications to optimize finished product quality and performance.

• Provide solutions for daily issues related to packaging, supplies, costing materials & labor.

• Collaborate with the Sales & Marketing teams to lead feasibility studies for new products.

• Oversee special SKU Projects

• Support GLC Packaging Circularity initiatives by facilitating trials on packaging materials changes involving reducing packaging, reusable packaging and/or compostable packaging.

• Maintain and continually improve quality and accuracy of GLC Packaging Specification System.

• Manage capital projects from concept to implementation through GLC Capital Process.

• All GLC employees are expected to perform any assignment or job task according to the stated safety policies and procedures.

• All GLC employees are expected to produce our products in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectation of our customers and consumers by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices, Policies and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program.

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering.

• 1 year or more of packaging engineering experience.

• Strong written and verbal communications.

• Knowledge of food packaging.

• Ability to communicate with packaging material suppliers, packaging equipment manufacturers, and co-packers.

• 50% of travel.

• Must be able to work now or in the future without corporate sponsorship.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3 years or more of packaging experience in the CPG packaging field.

• Experience in package commercialization.

• Experience in attending customer visits to support the sales/marketing team.

• Experience in the food/dairy industry.

• Experience with Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging, MAP equipment, Corrugated Packaging, Sustainability.

• SAP experience.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting.

• Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35ºF to 100ºF; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.

EEOC & Disclaimer

Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.