E.A. Sween Company · 1 day ago
Sr. Packaging Engineer-R&D
Eden Prairie, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$115K/yr - $122K/yr
7+ years expE.A. Sween Company is a third-generation family-owned organization committed to strategic growth and high-quality food products. They are seeking a Sr. Packaging Engineer-R&D to lead the development and implementation of innovative packaging solutions that enhance product quality and shelf-life, collaborating closely with various teams to ensure alignment with consumer needs and sustainability goals.
Food and Beverage
Responsibilities
Lead the design, development and commercialization of innovative packaging solutions for ready-to-eat (RTE) food products
Champion new packaging formats, technologies and materials that address evolving consumer needs and market trends, enhancing the user experience and differentiating our brands in the ready-to-eat (RTE) category
Research and evaluate emerging packaging technologies, materials and suppliers with a focus on functionality, sustainability, and food safety
Evaluate and recommend materials for optimal shelf life, food safety, sustainability and performance. Conduct packaging trials, barrier testing, seal integrity and shelf-life studies
Lead packaging innovations from concept through commercialization, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness and operational readiness
Collaborate with R&D scientists, Marketing, Operations, and Procurement to align packaging innovation with product strategy and business goals. Influence early-stage product development by integrating packaging as a strategic component
Partner with Operations to optimize packaging line compatibility, efficiency and cost
Lead packaging cost-reduction projects without compromising product integrity or performance
Identify and implement sustainable packaging initiatives aligned with corporate or customer environmental goals. Stay current on regulations and consumer expectations related to sustainable packaging
Translate consumer insights into innovative packaging that improves convenience, usability and perception of product quality
Stay current with emerging packaging technologies, consumer trends, and market demands in the ready-to-eat (RTE) category. Introduce forward thinking solutions that drive a competitive advantage
Provide technical leadership in packaging by leading ideation sessions, benchmarking competitor packaging, and assessing white space for packaging innovation. Create prototypes and proof of concept models to validate early-stage ideas
All other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
BS or MS degree in Packaging Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field
7+ years of progressive experience in packaging R&D, preferability in ready to eat (RTE) foods or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Strong emphasis on innovation and commercialization
Demonstrated success leading packaging innovation from concept through commercialization
Deep understanding of food-grade packaging materials (rigid and flexible plastics, paper-based, films, recyclable/compostable materials) and their performance in cold-chain environments (frozen and refrigerated)
Proficiency in packaging performance testing (shelf-life, barrier properties, transit testing, seal integrity)
Proven ability to identify, evaluate and implement innovative packaging solutions that improve consumer appeal, operational efficiency or sustainability
Skilled in leading cross functional teams, influencing stakeholders and managing complex, multi-phase packaging projects
Strong communicator with experience in presenting technical solutions to both technical and executive audiences
Detail-oriented, proactive and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Benefits
Incentive bonus up to 5% of your annual salary, prorated based on your start date
Company
E.A. Sween Company
E.A. Sween is the leading supplier in the ready-to-eat sandwiches industry, distributing all over the country through Wholesale, DSD & CDC.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Thomas Hans Sween
CEO
Bryan Virgin
Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Company data provided by crunchbase