Full Job Description
Sr Process Engineer - Packaging
The Senior Process Engineer - Packaging is responsible for designing vertically integrated packaging equipment solutions across multiple formats - including PET, canning, and cartons - for the full range of Niagara's beverage products. This role also emphasizes researching emerging technologies in the packaging industry to position Niagara ahead of a rapidly evolving competitive landscape. Projects include new beverage lines, cost-saving retrofits, line efficiency improvements, new product rollouts, and other engineering initiatives driven by customer needs.
Essential Functions
• Provide technical expertise and collaborate with OEMs to design PET, canning, and aseptic packaging systems (e.g., Tetra carton, KRONES PET, KHS Canning, Container Labeling, Case Packing, Case Palletizing)
• Plan, design, and validate new packaging processes and optimize existing ones.
• Design packaging line processes to meet current packaging matrix requirements and future-proof for upcoming products.
• Research emerging technologies related to packaging formats and innovations.
• Develop capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, including ROI analysis, for new equipment and line modifications.
• Initiate RFQs and collaborate with Product Development teams to establish specifications and parameters for packaging equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors, corporate project managers, and operations to support beverage equipment installation and ensure successful commissioning.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that enhance equipment reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for chronic equipment or process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and develop business plans to capture them.
• Travel 15-20% (domestic and international).
Note: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
Qualifications
• Minimum Qualifications:
• 4 Years - Experience in Beverage processing or manufacturing environment
• 4 Years - Experience in Engineering Project Management
• 4 Years - Experience managing people/projects
*experience may include a combination of work experience and education
• Preferred Qualifications:
• 6 Years- Experience in Beverage processing or manufacturing environment
• 6 Years - Experience Engineering Project Management
• 6 Years - Experience managing people/projects
*experience may include a combination of work experience and education
Competencies
• In-depth knowledge of beverage packaging formats (e.g., PET, canning, aseptic cartons, paper)
• In-depth knowledge of secondary packaging formats (e.g., packers, palletizers)
• Working knowledge of packaging equipment from major OEMs (e.g., Krones, Sidel, KHS, Douglas)
• Strong understanding of the IQ/OQ/PQ process (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification)
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for reviewing equipment drawings and line layouts
• Understanding of OEE metrics and packaging line performance optimization
• Project management competencies, including planning, budgeting, schedule tracking, vendor management, and cost controls
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff
• Ability to develop and present business cases, including ROI and CapEx justifications
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, including operations, quality, and corporate leadership
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior engineers
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings
• Ability to work independently with limited direction, as well as collaboratively in cross-functional team environments
Education
• Minimum Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or other related field
• Preferred:
• Master's Degree in Engineering or other related field
Typical Compensation Range
Pay Rate Type: Salary
$111,766.36 - $159,267.07 / Yearly
Benefits
Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:
Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.
• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves
• Medical, including virtual care options
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
• Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
• And more!
https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits