Sr. Packaging Engineer I – R&D Packaging

Job Description

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride.

As part of a cross-functional team, you will lead the development of innovative and efficient packaging solutions for our US Cakes & Pastries brands, such as CA!, Oreo, BelVita. This role requires a passion for packaging, strong technical expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

How you will contribute

The individual must possess strong technical skills, the ability to learn on the fly and execute independently by leveraging their expertise and experience. This candidate must demonstrate the ability to be a strong team player representing our technical organization. Must be able to find technical solutions when problems are identified, with timely and effective communication to key stakeholders like Business Development, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality, as well as the US cross functional team including Marketing, PCDM, Product and Process Development.

What you will bring

A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career and the following experience and knowledge:

• Packaging development and/or packaging deployment, ideally within fast moving consumer goods or consumer packaging goods environment
• Leading teams and influencing cross-functional teams
• Planning and delivering multiple priorities
• Proactively identifying complex technical or business problems and creating and implementing solutions
• Influencing senior and cross-functional stakeholders verbally and in writing, including writing technical reports
• Coaching and mentoring others
• Championing for consumer needs
• Technical curiosity and collaborative mindset

More about this role

What you need to know about this position:

• Deliver against multiple C&P brands: You will be responsible for the development and execution of packaging projects across various stages, from initial concept to final implementation.
• Execute Packaging Development: You will plan and manage projects in alignment with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing requirements. This includes:
  • Bench top experimentation: Conducting tests to evaluate material properties and performance.
  • Pilot plant trials: Testing packaging designs in a scaled-down manufacturing environment.
  • Plant trials: Validating packaging performance in a full-scale production setting.
• Ensure Compliance: You will adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements to ensure product safety and quality.
• Lead plant trials for packaging materials, working with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Procurement, Business Development, Production, Supply Chain and Quality). Properly plan, coordinate, and report each trial, provide appropriate level of technical support and troubleshooting to execute trial objectives and ensure proper documentation of each activity.
• Design, plan and conduct analytical testing, line trials and package performance testing.
• Build and maintain relationships and constant communication with key pack material vendors on the development of new concepts, materials, and quality improvements.
• Leverage and challenge suppliers and partners to develop new technologies and cost advantaged and sustainable packaging formats and materials to achieve business goals.
• Ability to generate, develop and execute packaging ideas by leveraging both existing equipment in the company and new equipment.
• Leverage Technical Skills: You will utilize your knowledge of materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes to create technically sound and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions, from primary pack to pallet level.
• Communicate Effectively: You will effectively communicate project status, risks, and results to stakeholders. You will also create technical reports, analyze data, and make recommendations based on your findings.
• Contribute to Intellectual Property Development: You will play an active role in identifying and protecting intellectual property related to packaging innovations.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise from package development, line trials and commercialization with limited supervision.
• Ability to generate, develop and execute packaging ideas by leveraging both existing equipment in the company and new equipment.
• Leverage Technical Skills: You will utilize your knowledge of materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes to create technically sound and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions, from primary pack to pallet level.
• Communicate Effectively: You will effectively communicate project status, risks, and results to stakeholders. You will also create technical reports, analyze data, and make recommendations based on your findings.
• Contribute to Intellectual Property Development: You will play an active role in identifying and protecting intellectual property related to packaging innovations.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise from package development, line trials and commercialization with limited supervision.

What extra ingredients you will bring:

• Technical Expertise: A strong understanding of packaging materials, processes, and design principles.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to identify and solve technical problems effectively, independently, and as part of a team.
• Data Analysis Skills: The ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and make informed recommendations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical writing, to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to get results through working with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity.
• Executional excellence, time management and problem-solving competencies
• Graphics: A deep understanding of the printing process and its impact on packaging performance.
• Product Packaging Interactions: A comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between products, packaging, and manufacturing processes to ensure optimal product quality and consumer experience.
• Communication and Collaboration: The ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels and work collaboratively within a diverse team.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong problem-solving skills, a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges, and the ability to learn on the fly.
• Breakthrough Mindset: A willingness to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and drive innovative packaging solutions.

Education / Certifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.

Job specific requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years in a packaging development or in and R&D role.
• Experience working in a Research, Development and Quality function.   
• Experience managing projects within a plant environment (Product Development, Process Technology, New Product Commercialization, etc.).           
• Planning and project management abilities.             
• Experience in package development processes.      
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in development, trials and commercialization of packaging initiatives.
• Experience with flexibles, rigid, paperboard, and corrugated materials.
• Experience with creating die lines, artwork process and mockups creation.

Travel requirements:

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time for domestic vendor/manufacturing visits.

Work schedule:

This role is based onsite in East Hanover, NJ.

The base salary range for this position is $83,800 to $115,225; the exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

In addition, Mondelez International offers the following benefits: health insurance, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.

Business Unit Summary

The United States is the largest market in the Mondelēz International family with a significant employee and manufacturing footprint. Here, we produce our well-loved household favorites to provide our consumers with the right snack, at the right moment, made the right way. We have corporate offices, sales, manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. to ensure our iconic brands—including Oreo and  Chips Ahoy! cookies, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers, and Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids confectionery products —are close at hand for our consumers across the country.  

Mondelēz Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact 847-943-5460 for assistance.

For more information about your Federal rights, please see eeopost.pdf; EEO is the Law Poster Supplement; Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

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