Sr. Principal Engineer, R&D Packaging Process Development & Reliability Engineering

Job Purpose  

​​As the Senior Principal Engineer, you will lead and execute a comprehensive digital strategy and program to transform our approach to Packaging Development.  You will develop, pilot, and operationalize agentic AI systems and related data platforms that augment R&D Packaging Development capabilities. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to implement digital twins at our manufacturing sites.  This role will also encompass implementation of Methodology of Packaging Development frameworks and, for critical systems, development of Transformation Flow Sheets, Process Capability and Reliability Engineering. This will reduce development cycle time, reduce number of trials, and enable vertical start-ups by shifting R&D from empirical, trial-heavy work to model-driven, data-anchored development. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and technical Packaging Development engineer to shape the future of our organization in the digital age.​  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities  

• ​​Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of Packaging Engineering principles and its application in solving complex problems 

• ​Establish best practices and training in digital tools and technologies. Starting with the adoption of a Methodology of Process Development and culminating in the implementation of digital tools for a simulation and modeling platform, data analytics, virtual testing, digital twins, CAE, etc. 

• ​Build technical models that can be used by the project teams to explain the technology, outline the technical thinking, and/or predict the outcome. 

• ​Lead & support packaging development through all scales for NPD initiatives. Design and execute robust product experimental designs at all levels (lab, pilot plant and production facility). 

• ​Interface with R&D for pilot and other scale up activities, packaging material and technology development and subsequent packaging engineering. 

• ​Develop & provide training for technical documentation: ex: Packaging Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), heat and material balances, FMEA, Risk Analysis, Transformation Flowsheets, etc. 

• ​Study packaging alternatives and develop preliminary cost analysis 

• ​Partner with analytical team to develop methodology and analyze data for key material and physical properties 

• ​Manage the complexity in food and beverage packaging systems involving physical and chemical change, involving many time and length scales. 

• ​Apply fundamentals of flexible and rigid packaging processes (ex: VFFS, blow and injection molding, fiber-based technology, secondary and tertiary packaging, etc.)  to develop innovative & functional foods and beverages packages. 

• ​Stay abreast with technical & engineering advances within food & beverage and adjacent industries and reapply towards food innovation through iterative experimentations and reduction to practice. 

• ​Develop IP protection for the solutions to the most important Innovation challenges​ 

Expected Experience & Required Skills 

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Material Science or related field required  

• ​Experience in Packaging Development digital transformation in the CPG industry (Food CPG preferred) 

• ​Strong understanding and experience with digital tools and technologies, such as AI, Smart Sensors, Modeling and Simulation, and Digital Twins. 

• ​8-10 years of experience in R&D, packaging materials and scale-up, pilot plant and plant operations  

• ​Demonstrated systems engineering project experience 

• ​Knowledge of design for manufacturing applied to packages and packaging components 

• ​Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work. 

• ​Knowledge of IP strategy, secure data handling, and regulatory requirements relevant to the Food industry.​ 

Work Environment 

This position is considered a ​Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces​