Packaging Engineer
Purpose and Scope/General Summary: The R&D organization is at the heart of our business, taking fresh, further processed, and value-added poultry products from concept to reality. With such diverse roles as regulatory specialists, innovation managers, food technologists and packaging professionals, R&D is a community of technical leaders and managers actively involved in every step in the lifecycle of our products, from initial concept to raw materials to final goods. R&D is committed to leveraging the latest technology to bring consumers the high-quality, innovative products they want and need to feed their families.
In this role, you will:
As a packaging engineer for Pilgrim’s, you will work with the R&D team located in beautiful Northern Colorado to develop and deliver packaging solutions and processes across our North American production network. You will drive execution of the packaging quality strategy for this fast paced, exciting, and growing business. You will have the opportunity to learn about the protein industry, support a diverse range of BUs, and work with a passionate team that leans into the values of Determination, Humility, Ownership, Discipline, Sincerity, Availability, and Simplicity.
Responsibilities:
- Managing packaging quality and operational efficiency across the Pilgrim’s portfolio.
- Troubleshoot critical to quality packaging attributes through root cause analysis of technical issues and manufacturing processes.
- Validate compatibility and performance testing for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
- Work cross functionally to provide technical insight and keep key stakeholders updated.
- Execute packaging initiatives in sustainability and optimization.
- Plan and execute production line trials and qualification tests at plants for packaging. components and platforms, making observations, documenting procedures and results, and drawing conclusions documented within Accolade.
- Create and manage packaging specifications and BOM reviews.
- Work in conjunction with and is a packaging consultant for Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Project Management, and Marketing Graphics.
- Generate, develop, and recommend new packaging solutions by leveraging both existing equipment and new equipment.
- Manage supplier relationships in partnership with Procurement team.
- Manage and fulfill packaging workflow requests and inquiries within SAP (IPS) and other related systems.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in packaging engineering or related engineering fields.
- 4-6 years of experience in packaging quality management and development.
- Able to analyze problems and define solutions.
- Has understanding of packaging machines and is comfortable troubleshooting material/equipment issues.
- Knowledge of packaging software (ArtiosCAD and CAPE or TOPS).
- Knowledge of ASTM and ISTA packaging testing methods.
- Knowledge of laminations, films, corrugated, folding carton, label substrates, printing techniques and processes, pallets, and artwork/graphics development.
- Familiarity or working knowledge of SAP (IPS) preferred.
- Ability to work closely with many departments including Sales, Regulatory, R&D, Quality, Marketing, Purchasing, and Production.
- Demonstrate strong influencing skills.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving skills, and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and effectively.
- Must be able to work in a food manufacturing environment and be able to transition products and processes from R&D to operations.
- Proactive self-starter, capable of working independently and cross-functionally with minimal supervision and direction in a fast-paced environment.
- Able to travel up to 50%.
- Can perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- As a salaried position with the company, you may be required to travel at some point to other facilities, to attend Company events, or as a representative of the Company in other situations. Unless otherwise specified in this posting, the amount of travel may vary and the most qualified candidate must be willing and able to travel as business needs dictate.
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:
- Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
- Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
- 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
- Base salary range of $70,000 - $80,000; and
- Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan, the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program;
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in states where it is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for any given position, compensation ranges are specific to those states and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiencies for the role.
This position does not have an application deadline. We will continue to recruit until the position has been filled.
The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.
About us: Pilgrim’s is the second largest chicken producer in the world, with operations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and the U.K. Pilgrim’s processes, prepares, packages and delivers fresh, further-processed and value-added poultry products for sale to customers in more than 100 countries, employs more than 50,000 people and contracts with more than 5,200 family farmers. Pilgrim’s is headquartered in beautiful Greeley, Colorado, at the JBS USA corporate office where our 1,200 employees enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.
Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity
EOE/Vets/Disability
