Packaging Engineer - R&D

What you'll do

This role will be responsible for leading the development and launch of innovations, renovations, productivity, and quality improvements for KIND North America. You will assess desirability/feasibility/viability in all pack design decisions and appropriately communicate risks to project teams and key stakeholders. You identify new opportunities for cost savings and value creation and provide technical support to external manufacturing sites for quality, process, and equipment issues. You will have a visible impact to the Packaging Organization and help bring fresh thinking to evolve our processes and Ways of Working.

• Organizational Leadership
  • You bring technical expertise and knowledge to the organization
  • You develop supplier relationships and stay abreast of industry trends and technology developments to leverage outside ideas and technical solutions
  • You network with the global R&D community to share and utilize best practices
• Technical Leadership
  • You plan, execute, and manage prototyping, development, pilot production, and scale-up to plant implementation of innovation and renovation initiatives. You provide technical leadership to Manufacturing and Quality for commissioning and start-up activities
  • You execute well thought-out trial plans, collect data, and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward; develop robust action plans, risk assessment, and contingency planning

 

What you'll bring to KIND

• You challenge the status quo and our “ways of work” to maximize resources and enhance our success
• A strong sense of urgency and a can-do attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to all levels of the organization
• A consumer-centric approach to design and development

 

You are...

• An experimenter with a Test & Learn mentality
• Able to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive outlook
• Able to demonstrate prudent judgment when making important decisions by utilizing knowledge of industry best practices and current trends
• Excellent at planning and prioritization skills with the ability to multi-task and rapidly adapt
• Genuine in your desire to help make the world a KINDer place, committing to always spreading and celebrating KINDness

 

You have...

• A BS or MS degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or a related degree
• At least 3 years of relevant concept to launch experience
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in package engineering, development and manufacturing qualification, start-up & new product projects
• Strong foundational knowledge in packaging materials, processes, and equipment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Familiarity with the activities in Marketing, Market Research, Legal/Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Data visualization and AI tools a plus
• The ability to travel up to 30-40%

 

Pluses

• Previous Food packaging experience
• Geographical proximity to the NY HQ office or one of the major production facilities
• Previous Innovation/Renovation experience

 

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.