Packaging Engineer

Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging equipment, processes, and system performance using Lean Manufacturing and TPM methodologies (Root Cause Analysis, A3, SMED, DMAIC, Kaizen, etc.). Partner with cross-functional teams including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercialization, Engineering, and Distribution to improve packaging operations. Develop and implement technical solutions that improve packaging efficiency, equipment reliability, product quality, and operational performance. Support packaging line design, equipment installation, startup, validation, and optimization for new products and capital projects. Analyze packaging equipment and process performance through data collection, KPI development, and performance monitoring tools. Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement projects that increase capacity, reduce waste, improve OEE, and lower operating costs. Troubleshoot packaging equipment and process issues while identifying sustainable corrective and preventive actions. Collaborate with Training and Development to create training materials and provide coaching on packaging equipment, processes, and best practices. Conduct periodic audits to ensure packaging systems and standardized work are operating as designed. Provide technical support to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams as needed. Partner with corporate engineering and continuous improvement teams to implement and share best practices across manufacturing locations. Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Report food safety, quality, or regulatory concerns to leadership with authority to initiate corrective actions. Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, manufacturing processes, automation, and process optimization. Experience with project management, equipment troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies. Ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships. Proficient with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems; experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently while contributing to team success. Comfortable delivering training and presenting technical information to diverse audiences. Willingness to travel occasionally as business needs require. Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; packaging, food and beverage, consumer products, or high-speed production experience preferred. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred. Experience with Power BI, Generating Dashboards, Linking data from disparate data sources is preferred.