The Opportunity: Sr. Packaging EngineerWe are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Packaging Engineer to serve as a technical leader and strategic partner across our organization. In this role, you'll lead packaging development, sample requests, specifications, design, and performance across multiple company brands. Serving as the customer-facing technical expert for a broad product portfolio, this role shapes packaging strategy, identifies productivity opportunities, and recommends process improvements to department leadership. The position is also the technical authority for the packaging engineering team.
What You'll Do: - Perform peer review and coaching to drive right-first-time performance of department and to ensure accuracy of documentation that is delivered to customers.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to commercialize packaging/product innovations.
- Manages new item development to include packaging, vendor sourcing, and initial pricing.
- In response to manufacturing/sales/customer requirements, development includes physical pack outs, bag/box/barrel sizing, palletization reports, and finalized packaging specs.
- Packaging lifecycle support - from ideation to first production.
- Creation of product + package assembly guides for internal/external manufacturing teams.
- Management of packaging projects with timely updates shared with other departments.
- Support automation, purchasing, value creation, and sustainability initiatives.
- Troubleshoot and test for packaging defects - work with manufacturing + supplier teams.
- Become an expert in the manufacturing facilities and capabilities on covered brands (supported by travel and plant visits as business need arise).
- Partner with Procurement to provide estimated costing for packaging components.
- Collaborate with manufacturing to discover packaging efficiencies and reduce downtime.
- Ability to interpret test results as needed to verify packaging specifications/compliance.
- Investigate new packaging technologies, formats, materials, systems, etc.
- Review current packaging specifications, design and performance.
- Work with engineering and Procurement on new packaging equipment and packaging specifications.
What You'll Bring: Education- Bachelor's degree, Packaging Science or Materials/Design related degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Experience - 5 - 7 years' experience in consumer-packaged goods required, food and beverage highly preferred.
Skills- Knowledgeable in a wide range of packaging forms, including corrugated, injection blow-molded PET, paperboard, flexible films.
- Demonstrated leadership and team building competencies.
- Deep ability to think critically and exercise complex problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills.
- Able to be self-directed, forward thinking and make complex decisions that drive business innovation and performance.
- Comfort supporting recommendations and findings to manager and cross-functional teams.
- Excellent time and project management skills with proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects.
- Technical rigor.
External Recruitment Process:- Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
- Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
- Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.
Why Utz?We believe in taking care of our people. Our benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Employer-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
- Wellness resources, support programs, onsite gym and healthcare center
- Career growth opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment
- A culture built on innovation, teamwork, and recognition
