** Must be willing to relocate to Forest Grove, OR **
Job Summary:
The R&D Packaging Specialist will lead the development, validation, and commercialization of innovative packaging solutions with a focus on flexible formats such as doypacks and vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) systems. This role plays a critical part in bridging new product development (NPD) with manufacturing, ensuring packaging functionality, food safety, and operational scalability.
In addition to driving technical packaging execution, this individual will provide cross-functional leadership by supporting packaging line improvements, enhancing manufacturing efficiencies, and developing strong relationships with packaging suppliers. They will also contribute to strategic direction regarding packaging platforms and continuous improvement initiatives across production environments.
Job Responsibilities:
Packaging Development & Commercialization
- Lead the design, development, and validation of primary and secondary packaging solutions for new and existing products, with an emphasis on flexible packaging (e.g., doypack, VFFS).
- Manage packaging scale-up, including new equipment commissioning, material validation, and troubleshooting during production trials.
- Create and maintain packaging specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), pallet configurations, and documentation to support commercialization.
- Collaborate closely with packaging suppliers to identify appropriate materials, ensure technical fit, and support project timelines.
- Conduct transit testing, shelf-life evaluations, and line trials to validate performance, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
Operational Integration & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and implement systems to improve packaging line rates, uptime, and quality, working in partnership with plant technicians and engineers.
- Provide leadership in identifying and executing packaging initiatives that increase OEE, yield, and schedule attainment.
- Support packaging productivity and cost optimization projects by identifying improvement opportunities in equipment, materials, and processes.
- Participate in the strategic planning of packaging technologies and equipment, supporting feasibility assessments and start-up execution for new lines or products.
- Collaborate with packaging technology engineers to develop and integrate packaging enhancements aligned with customer and business needs.
Organizational Leadership
- Act as a subject matter expert on packaging materials and equipment, contributing technical knowledge to R&D and cross-functional initiatives.
- Drive improvements in enterprise-wide packaging development processes, tools, and ways of working.
- Build and manage strategic relationships with packaging suppliers; stay current with trends and emerging technologies to leverage external innovations.
- Engage with the global R&D community to share and adopt best practices that strengthen packaging development and commercialization.
Technical Leadership
- Lead the qualification and onboarding of new packaging materials, suppliers, and manufacturing locations.
- Execute structured trial plans, analyze data, and translate results into actionable insights; conduct risk assessments and contingency planning.
- Apply analytical thinking and problem-solving methodologies to investigate packaging failures and root cause issues.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Food Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 3–5+ years of packaging development experience in the food, beverage, or CPG industry, with strong exposure to flexible formats and VFFS/doypack systems.
- Hands-on experience supporting packaging line scale-up and new equipment integration.
- Familiarity with packaging materials (films, laminates, pouches, corrugate), equipment, palletization and design software.
- Understanding of packaging validation protocols, shelf-life testing, and food packaging regulations (FDA/USDA).
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
- Experience with supplier relationship management and productivity/cost savings initiatives.
- Proficiency in Salesforce or similar project management software is preferred.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
- Knowledge of food regulations and standards, particularly regarding nutrition labeling and food safety.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and build strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
Environment:
Employees in R&D can expect to work in a variety of environments, including office spaces, laboratories, outdoor areas, and production facilities. This dynamic setting offers exposure to different aspects of our operations and requires adaptability from our team members.