Innovation Engineer - Sustainable PackagingHybrid | ProAmpacInnovation in sustainable packaging requires more than technical expertise. It takes curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to turn great ideas into commercial solutions. At ProAmpac, we're seeking an
Innovation Engineer who is passionate about advancing recyclable, post-consumer recycled (PCR), and compostable flexible packaging technologies.
In this role, you'll partner with R&D, manufacturing, quality, commercial teams, suppliers, and customers to develop next-generation packaging solutions from concept through commercialization. If you're energized by sustainability, product development, and solving complex challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll DoLead the development and commercialization of sustainable flexible packaging solutions while supporting innovation projects from concept through full-scale manufacturing.
- Research, design, and develop innovative recyclable, PCR, and compostable flexible packaging structures.
- Stay current on sustainability trends, emerging technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
- Drive product development projects from laboratory testing and pilot trials through commercial implementation.
- Collaborate with global and national brands to develop innovative packaging solutions that meet evolving consumer and market demands.
- Evaluate and qualify new substrates, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Partner with suppliers, manufacturing teams, quality, sales, and customers to optimize product performance.
- Support troubleshooting efforts and provide technical expertise to resolve product quality and manufacturing issues.
- Utilize project management and cost analysis tools to effectively manage innovation initiatives.
- Support marketing and commercial teams by providing technical product data and performance information.
- Lead or participate in customer innovation workshops and product ideation sessions.
- Validate materials and processes in accordance with FDA requirements and applicable industry standards.
- Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
What You BringYou combine technical expertise, creativity, and strong collaboration skills with a passion for sustainable innovation.
- Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Film Science, Materials Science, or a related field required.
- Advanced degree, post-graduate research, or specialized technical training preferred.
- Experience with FDA requirements, ISO standards, and quality systems.
- Knowledge of flexible packaging materials, development processes, and manufacturing operations.
- Experience leading product development or commercialization projects from concept to launch.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
- Experience with cost analysis, process evaluation, and data-driven decision-making.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Visio.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
You'll Thrive Here If You...- Are passionate about sustainability and creating packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact.
- Enjoy transforming technical concepts into commercially successful products.
- Like working directly with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
- Stay curious about emerging materials, technologies, and industry innovations.
- Can balance technical requirements with business objectives.
- Take ownership of projects and drive results.
- Enjoy solving complex engineering challenges.
- Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
The DetailsPosition: Innovation Engineer
Department: Innovation / Research & Development
Reports to: Global Innovation Manager, Sustainable Film
Location: Hybrid
FLSA Status: Exempt
This position operates in laboratory, manufacturing, office, and customer environments and may require occasional travel to support project development, customer meetings, and production trials.