Principal Packaging Engineer

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Come be part of the team that is designing and building new, highly automated Packaging Processes is manufacturing facilities unlike any other in our industry. We are hiring a Principal Packaging Process Development Engineer for our Florence KY (suburb of Cincinnati, OH). This high visibility role will be the driving force in identification, development, improvement, and testing of complex, new and break through food Packaging Processing techniques. This role will provide mentoring and coaching to team members and will be an expert across multiple areas. Please note we are NOT at this time considering those requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and commercialize new and breakthrough packaging process technology to enable new packaging format introduction, transformation of current packaging infrastructure in manufacturing, process efficiency improvements and cost reduction projects that support existing and future business plans
• Provide hands-on leadership in design and execution of next generation packaging lines, taking it from concept to commercialization. Understands LEAN principles and the critical interface points between the packaging materials, product, machine, and human
• Leads development of all technical documentation, including line visualization, process flow diagram, conceptual layouts, process specifications, process gap analysis, design basis, and manufacturing process control plans
• Develops manufacturing options including evaluation of both internal and external plants and defines packaging process design strategy and operating conditions that delivers key packaging attributes, cost, and all manufacturing KPIs.
• As Subject Matter Expert, brings together diverse process technologies and concepts to create new-to-the-world packaging concepts within manufacturing
• Mentors and coaches team members within the technical community of the company.
• Drives cross functional one table one team mindset across assignments with functions in R&D, Manufacturing and Business Units
• Effectively influences sell and obtain buy-in for new and breakthrough technologies
• Effectively leads cross functional teams on large or complex projects
• Effective communicator, who can develop and present preliminary capital proposals of new packaging processing technology, equipment, or cost reduction opportunities including determination of ROI

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's Science in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Food) combined with 8+ years of related experience.
• Prior experience in designing packaging processes with high degree of automation in forming, sealing, transferring, maintaining structural integrity for flexible and rigid forms of packaging materials on high-speed manufacturing systems
• Prior experience with OEM of packaging equipment in food is a plus!
• Highly effective communicator of technical information with clarity with all levels of the organization both verbal and written communication
• Working knowledge of Process Development Engineering; Product development process, and stage gate process; Project Management;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Minitab, SolidWorks and AutoCAD. 3D printing experience is a plus.
• Incorporates a high level of technical knowledge & expertise into decisions.
• Ability to develop and execute Commissioning, Qualification and Verification protocols.
• Ability to travel average of 30% is required. Most travel is to our Sidney, OH, Columbus, OH, Erie PA, and Stilwell OK -based plants.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, and wellbeing support programs.

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.

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