Packaging Engineer

Job Locations

US-VA-Smithfield US-IL-Lisle

Your Opportunity

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for packaging and packaging systems to assure food safety, provide value to our customer, present our products in a positive manner while controlling overall costs.  This position must work closely with Suppliers, Strategic Sourcing, Business Management Teams, Production Plants, Marketing, and other cross functional team members in Smithfield to successfully complete projects related to new products and current product optimization, as well as identifying and implementing cost savings opportunities.

Core Responsibilities

• Evaluates, researches and develops new packaging for multiple project types including growth initiatives, quality improvements, and productivity/cost-reduction activities.
• Troubleshooting activities and general packaging support to operations, as needed.
• Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external resources in order to cost effectively implement packaging initiatives.
• Leverages best practices and capitalizes on technologies with cross-functional, cross-site business applications.
• Promotes innovative thinking to generate unique and value-added packaging ideas for existing or new products.
• Utilize packaging knowledge to develop and maintain packaging specifications and gather supplier data.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to franchise across the operational network.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and 2 years’ relevant experience in Research and Development or Packaging Development; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Broad knowledge of packaging materials, equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in the food industry, preferred.
• General knowledge of food science, processing and manufacturing, preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management, project management, organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Possesses good research and development capabilities, including experimental design, familiarity with packaging testing methodology and experience in commercialization.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Ability to plan, lead and implement projects successfully which may involve internal and external resources.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and still meet critical project milestones.
• Ability to present conclusions and recommendations to management team.
• Estimated Travel up to 50% of the time.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may act as a lead by providing training and guidance to other Packaging Engineers.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

Careers and Benefits

To learn more about Smithfield’s benefits, visit smithfieldfoods.com/careerbenefits.

 

                                               

                                               

PEOPLE MATTER

                                               

More than 63,000 employees globally drive our success. We strive to create a fair, ethical and rewarding work environment.

                                                                                              

                                               

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

                                               

Working at Smithfield isn't just a job – it's the foundation for a lifelong career with training designed to help you advance professionally.

                                                                                              

                                               

BENEFITS

                                               

Our people matter. That's why we offer excellent, comprehensive benefits packages to our full-time employees.

                                                                                              

                                               

SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE

                                               

Sustainability is ingrained in our culture and guides how we operate. We believe in innovating for the future.

                                               

 

 

About Smithfield Foods

Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly®" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

EEO/AA Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.