R&D Packaging Engineer

Team: R&D

Location: Minneapolis, MN, Inver Grove Heights, MN

Commitment: Full Time

Workplace Type: hybrid

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• As a Packaging R&D Engineer, you’ll own the development, testing, and commercialization of packaging solutions from feasibility through launch, supporting both day-to-day manufacturing needs and long-term scale. You’ll:
• Lead end-to-end packaging development across new and existing formats, from concept and material selection through validation, line trials, and commercialization.
• Design packaging solutions that perform across both automated and manual packing environments, balancing sustainability, usability, throughput, and cost.
• Collaborate with Marketing on packaging format, branding elements, and consumer experience to ensure product and packaging alignment with market strategy.
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications that meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Support plant trials, capital projects, and on-the-floor troubleshooting in close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and QA.
• Conduct functional testing and material qualification to ensure packaging performance, manufacturability, and supply continuity.
• Drive cost-savings and optimization initiatives across packaging materials, formats, and suppliers while managing multiple vendor relationships.
• Manage technical timelines, proactively identifying risks, trade-offs, and dependencies to keep projects on track in a fast-moving environment.
• Champion sustainability at every stage of packaging and system design, embedding So Good So You’s zero-waste and renewable energy commitments into practical, scalable solutions.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Experienced Packaging R&D Engineer and systems thinker who thrives in fast-moving, build-and-scale environments. You bring a hands-on, pragmatic approach to problem-solving and understand that smart packaging decisions are critical to product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability. You also:
• Take end-to-end ownership of packaging development—from material selection and supplier qualification through line trials, validation, and commercialization.
• Make intentional, data-driven decisions, recognizing that material choices, design trade-offs, and process optimization directly impact cost, performance, and environmental footprint.
• Understand the realities of beverage manufacturing and enjoy working close to production to solve real problems in real time.
• Collaborate effectively across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners to meet customer, consumer, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels, from operators on the floor to senior leadership, translating technical detail into actionable insights.
• Balance near-term execution and troubleshooting with longer-term innovation and platform development as the business scales.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering / R&D with hands-on involvement in development, testing and commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience across multiple packaging formats and materials, including:
• Beverage bottle packaging / technology
• Flexible and paper-based packaging
• Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
• Strong understanding of packaging development processes, including material selection, validation, line trials, and launch.
• Experience designing packaging solutions compatible with both automated and manual packing environments.
• Proven ability to create and maintain technical documentation, including packaging specifications, drawings, and test protocols.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and FDA regulatory requirements within food and beverage manufacturing.
• Working proficiency with CAD and packaging design tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%, including on-site support in Inver Grove Heights, MN, as needed.


• Preferred:
• Experience with PET Bottles
• Experience with aluminum can packaging
• Working knowledge of manufacturing packaging equipment
• Experience with eco-friendly, recyclable, or compostable packaging solutions.
• Experience leading new packaging line start-ups, extensions, and equipment upgrades
• Spanish language proficiency—ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking team members is a strong plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• In accordance with Minnesota's Pay Transparency Law (effective January 1, 2025), the salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 annually.


• In addition to the base salary, the following benefits are offered:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance and AD&D, Primary and Secondary Caregiver Leave
• Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of annual bonus
• Please note that these benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.