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Wonder · 2 weeks ago

Senior Packaging Engineer & Category Manager

New York, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$149K/yr - $157K/yr

7+ years exp

Wonder is a platform that connects diners with a variety of cuisines from award-winning chefs. The Senior Packaging Engineer and Category Manager will lead the strategy and optimization of food packaging solutions while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

E-CommerceFood and BeverageFood DeliveryRestaurants

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall packaging category strategy, aligning material specifications, design platforms, and sourcing approaches with business goals and sustainability targets

Lead packaging innovation projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with brand, marketing, operations, and supply chain priorities

Vet and qualify suppliers, assessing technical capability, compliance history, financial stability, and sustainability performance

Partner with Procurement to lead cost modeling, negotiation, and contract development to secure optimal value, quality, and continuity of supply

Ensure regulatory compliance with all applicable food contact, labeling, and environmental regulations, maintaining awareness of evolving national and international standards

Drive form factor consolidation and optimization, reducing complexity, improving operational efficiency, and leveraging scale across product lines and markets

Design, test, and validate packaging that maintains food integrity, temperature, and quality across dine-in, takeout, delivery, and drive-thru channels

Develop and implement performance testing protocols covering transportation, shelf life, food safety, and consumer usability

Lead sustainability initiatives focused on material reduction, recyclability, compostability, and alignment with corporate ESG goals

Collaborate with cross-functional partners in R&D, Operations, Marketing, QA, and Supply Chain to balance innovation, functionality, and cost

Support global packaging standardization, documentation, and specification management

Monitor emerging materials, regulations, and technologies to identify opportunities for competitive advantage

Provide technical guidance to resolve packaging issues in manufacturing, logistics, and restaurant operations

Promote continuous improvement in packaging development and supplier management processes

Qualification

Packaging EngineeringSupplier ManagementRegulatory ComplianceCost AnalysisPackaging Materials ExpertisePerformance TestingAnalytical SkillsSustainable Packaging DesignCross-functional CollaborationCommunication SkillsNegotiation Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred

7+ years of packaging engineering experience, with at least 3 years in QSR, foodservice, or CPG packaging

Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies and manage supplier relationships from qualification through performance evaluation

Experience with cost analysis, negotiation, and contract execution for packaging materials and services

Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance for food contact packaging, including FDA/USDA and global requirements

Expertise in packaging materials (paper, plastics, fiber, compostable/biodegradable substrates) and processes (forming, sealing, printing, laminating)

Skilled in packaging performance testing (ISTA, ASTM, or equivalent)

Proficiency in design and analysis tools (ArtiosCAD, TOPS, Cape Pack, or similar)

You have demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization

You exhibit strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills