POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Senior Manager of Packaging Engineering is responsible for leading all packaging engineering activities across DrinkPAK's full product portfolio-spanning aluminum cans, cartons, trays, pallets, and secondary packaging formats. This role owns packaging standards, format qualification, secondary packaging equipment performance, and the technical interface with contract customers on packaging-related specifications and new product introductions. The leader ensures that all packaging systems deliver industry-leading line efficiency, format flexibility, and product integrity across DrinkPAK's high-speed, high-volume manufacturing environment. This role is a Packaging Systems & Format Execution Leader.
BENEFITSThe well-being of our team members and their families is critically important to us. As part of this commitment, we offer:
- PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees AND their dependents, 100% paid by the Company
- A cell phone stipend
- Annual discretionary bonus
- 401(k) match program, pet insurance, life insurance, and more.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Own packaging engineering across all formats: aluminum cans, lids, cartons, trays, corrugated cases, and pallet configurations-ensuring format standards are documented, maintained, and enforced across all sites.
- Lead packaging qualification activities for new formats, sizes, and secondary packaging configurations; manage validation testing, trials, and launch readiness.
- Serve as the primary technical interface between Operations, Sales, and contract customers on all packaging-related specifications, tolerances, and new product introduction requirements.
- Drive secondary packaging equipment performance-including case packers, wraparound cartons, tray formers, palletizers, and stretch wrappers-through standards development, OEM collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain packaging design specifications, capability matrices, and engineering standards in coordination with Corporate Engineering Services.
- Evaluate and approve packaging material and component submissions from suppliers; manage supplier performance relative to quality, consistency, and lead time.
- Lead engineering input into new product launch (NPL) processes: provide packaging feasibility assessments, format compatibility reviews, and equipment readiness confirmations.
- Partner with Quality and Food Safety teams to ensure all packaging meets regulatory, SQF, GMP, and customer-specific requirements.
- Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives targeting material waste reduction, changeover time, line efficiency, and packaging cost optimization.
- Support capital project teams on packaging equipment selection, layout, and commissioning for new and expanded production lines.
- Manage packaging engineering documentation, format drawings, and technical specifications across Engineering Services.
Key KPIs & Best-in-Class Targets- Packaging Line Efficiency or qualified formats
- Format Qualification Cycle Time: On-schedule delivery per NPL calendar
- Packaging Material Defect Rate (supplier-attributable)
- Secondary Packaging Equipment Uptime
- Changeover Time Performance: At or below established standard per format
- New Product Introduction Packaging Readiness On Time
- Documentation Accuracy (specifications, format drawings, capability matrices)
- Packaging Cost Reduction: Measurable year-over-year improvement
- Safety Performance: Zero recordable incidents
- Supplier Scorecard Compliance
Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 8-10+ years of packaging engineering experience in CPG, food and beverage, or high-speed consumer goods manufacturing.
- Deep knowledge of aluminum can packaging systems, secondary packaging formats (cartons, trays, corrugated), and palletization standards.
- Demonstrated experience qualifying new packaging formats and leading new product introduction engineering in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with secondary packaging equipment including case packers, tray formers, palletizers, and stretch wrappers.
- Understanding of food safety standards including SQF, GMP, HACCP, and applicable FDA regulations.
- Strong supplier management skills: specification development, qualification, performance monitoring.
- Ability to read and interpret packaging drawings, tolerance specifications, and material standards.
- Strong cross-functional communication skills; ability to interface with customers, sales, operations, and OEM partners.
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation, organizational, and project management capabilities.
OUR VALUESOur company's culture is guided by our shared values of Speed, Intensity, and Purpose. These values are demonstrated in the following ways based on the role within the organization.
- Speed: Take the initiative to promptly identify and address potential issues or opportunities. Maintain a sense of urgency in your work, completing tasks efficiently.
- Intensity: Remain resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks by possessing a positive attitude, persevering through obstacles, and demonstrating adaptability in your approach.
- Purpose: Take ownership of your responsibilities, and value the input and skillsets of your peers by working together as One PAK.
WORKING CONDITIONSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- The employee frequently is required to talk and hear, in person, via video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.), and telephonically.
- The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and is frequently required to sit.
