Packaging Engineer

Vast is looking for a(n) Packaging Engineer, reporting to the Space Food Systems Manager, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Design and develop packaging solutions for space food products
• Select appropriate packaging materials based on product requirements, regulatory compliance, and space-specific considerations
• Conduct testing and validation of packaging materials and systems to ensure they meet performance specifications, including barrier properties, seal integrity, and compatibility with Haven-1 food prep system
• Implement quality assurance procedures for packaging materials and processes to maintain product integrity and compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, USDA).
• Conduct risk assessments related to packaging materials and processes, identifying potential hazards and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure product safety and compliance
• Optimize packaging processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact while maintaining product safety and quality
• Collaborate with suppliers to source packaging materials, negotiate contracts, and ensure consistent quality and supply chain reliability
• Provide technical support to packaging operations, troubleshooting issues related to equipment, materials, and processes
• Drive sustainability initiatives related to packaging, including the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions, waste reduction strategies, and life cycle assessments
• Stay current with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to\ food packaging, ensuring compliance in design, materials, labeling, and documentation
• Maintain accurate documentation of packaging specifications, test results, and validation reports. Prepare reports and presentations for internal 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align packaging solutions with product requirements and business goals
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in packaging design, processes, and materials through data analysis, research, and innovation
• Lead or participate in packaging-related projects from concept development through commercialization, ensuring timelines, budgets, and project goals are met
• Conduct risk assessments related to packaging materials and processes, identifying potential hazards and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure product safety and compliance
• Provide training and education to internal teams on packaging best practices, new technologies, regulatory updates, and quality standards

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3-5 Years minimum of previous experience in a package engineering role
• Experience with food packaging, flexible pouches, package integrity testing, and packaging equipment
• Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with flexible pouch packaging and food packaging. 
• Familiar with packaging design impacts on shelf life. 
• Experience with CAD software and package design. 
• Ability to create and update request for proposals (RFPs), purchase orders (POs) and facilities work orders in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software 
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment 
• Ability to make independent judgments with limited information 
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers 
• Logical and strategic approach to solving problems 
• Ability to read and understand basic floor plans 
• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate