Packaging Engineer

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.  

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative.  We seek out new challenges and conquer them.  This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?  

Position Description

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Engineer Packaging, is responsible for developing, testing, and evaluating new and existing pallet loads, as well as secondary and tertiary packaging systems. This role ensures design compatibility, machinability, and shipping distribution efficiency. The engineer will collaborate with external vendors, engineering, purchasing, commercial, and operations leadership to drive packaging solutions from functional prototype to full operational implementation. These solutions must meet quality, functionality, manufacturing performance, and cost objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Participates in weekly project review meetings and delivers technical outputs such as specification evaluations, test protocols, test results, die-line approvals, and specification sign-offs.
• Updates and maintains packaging quality systems and specifications.
• Manages multiple assignments concurrently with moderate supervision.
• Drives projects from initiation to completion, documenting each phase, and ensuring successful closure.
• Serves as the Project Packaging Engineer, primarily focused on primary and secondary packaging.
• Interacts with commercial, manufacturing, product development, equipment engineering, graphics, and shipping/transportation personnel to optimize package design and development efforts.
• Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving designs, materials and processes and provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions.
• Initiates cost reduction projects and cost avoidance opportunities that include packaging redesign initiatives, package component consolidation, and production line efficiencies.
• Liaison and communication with Commercial Account Managers, Purchasing Managers and suppliers to obtain an adequate customer packaging brief that can be communicated internally within the business.
• Coordinate packaging qualification tests with program manager, suppliers, plants and quality. Gain cross-functional alignment on project scope, trial requirements, approval, critical paths, budget, and trial results and findings.
• Coordinate with purchasing and Program Managers the procurement of materials to meet the critical path.
• Schedule, support and perform experimental trials and tests as required and document procedures and results.
• Accompany Sale personnel to meet with customer personnel concerning packaging or damage problems.
• Daily support of ACE workflow, packaging inquiries, creating pallet specifications, completing customer packaging data sheets within 48 hours of request or prior agreement. Assists in the development of Bills of Materials, and cost analysis.
• Quarterly validate accuracy of plant capability and packaging specification databases.
• Analyzes packaging engineering drawings and material specifications to assess physical characteristics, handling requirements, and environmental and safety requirements.
• Prototypes packaging and models using appropriate materials: flexible, corrugated and folding carton manufacturing, plastic film and pressure-sensitive labels, and other materials as appropriate.
• Consults with company’s counsel to determine any product patent or liability impact of new designs.
• Interviews suppliers of packaging materials and, in consort with purchasing manager, selects most appropriate materials for use.
• Attends professional activities and events to acquire and expand expertise to keep current and advise on emerging trends in packaging technologies, and environmental/ regulatory requirements.
• Develops and maintains an innovation portfolio of packaging concepts and prototypes. Organizes, catalogs and maintains an up-to-date inventory of packaging materials and supplies in support of Package Development programs.
• Develops and executes processes for maintaining packaging specification database documentation including package component specifications, pallet configurations.
• Develops and executes packaging procedures including the Packaging change management process activities and interdepartmental packaging processes.
• Compile weekly reports on the status of key projects and communicate to their stakeholders.

Required Skills:

• Ability to understand the full life cycle of employee data from initial input to carrier feed and how that relates to employee eligibility and enrollment transactions.
• Thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments, working independently to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
• Strong technical and interpersonal skills, effectively leading cross-functional teams and communicating with diverse stakeholders. Confident presenting in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Quick learner who stays current with industry trends, applying new knowledge to improve processes and drive innovation.
• Proficiency required in all areas of Packaging Engineering. Includes knowledge of metal cans & ends, corrugated, folding carton manufacturing, label substrates, films, laminations, labeling methods, printing techniques and processes, pallets, and artwork/graphics development interface.
• Trained in the use of measuring devices and techniques to analyze materials, components, shipping/test simulations. Able to apply, analyze and improve control processes.
• Ability to conduct initiatives that include packaging line trials, shipping/distribution testing, and ISTA/ASTM testing for new and existing products.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ensuring clear and accurate interactions across internal departments (Commercial, Graphics, QA, Product Development, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Shipping/Distribution) and with external customers and suppliers.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities. Ability to think on the fly and proactively apply and validate new learning and adapts innovative techniques and breakthrough ideas.
• Solicits and applies feedback from internal and external customers.
• Responds promptly to customer needs and understand business case rationale driving current and future expectations.
• Understands Quality, Health & Safety, and Regulatory Standards, including Packaging Food Regulations, Packaging Essential Regulations, and specific customer requirements.
• An effective understanding of manufacturing, packaging/packaging machinery technology and processes and the quality risks associated with changing a design or substrate of packaging material. (Preferably beverages)
• Ability to analyze, interpret and understand trends in data and how these may affect the customer and/or the business.
• Basic technical understanding of the creation of standard dielines for labels, trays, sleeves, shrink films and other printed packaging.

Competencies:

• Ownership – is eager to take ownership of responsibilities; can and does think independently to excel in role; takes ownership of challenges.
• Results Focus – exhibits commitment to goals and consistently delivers results; demonstrates personal initiative and independent motivation to achieve goals and objectives; takes risks when necessary; undaunted by obstacles.
• Communication – relates well to people; builds rapport along all dimensions of organization; resolves conflicts; provides clear directions and information.
• Customer Focus – understands and meets needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
• Problem Solving – breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box and uses ideas of others to help develop solutions; acts and evaluates results of actions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, or Packaging Engineering is required.
• 2-5 years of experience in industrial or consumer packaging. Knowledge and understanding of packaging design validation standards (ISO, ASTM, etc.), drafting and specification standards is essential. Standard knowledge of CAD, TOPS, Package design software like ArtiosCAD, MS Office, Excel, Access, Project and SAP.
• PMP, Continuous process improvement and quality improvement methodology experience and certifications a plus.
• Thorough demonstrable knowledge and a minimum of 2 years practical experience of working in a manufacturing environment particularly with beverage packaging materials.
• Appropriate Technical Qualification (BTEC HNC or Engineering degree).

Working Conditions:

• Visual/Sensory - This position requires regular need to give moderate attention methodology with one or two senses at a time.
• Work environment - Work and environment are very repetitive.
• Mental Stress - There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands.

Travel Requirements:

• Based in office with minimal travel requirements.

Physical Requirements:

R = Rarely (0-15%) O = Occasionally (16-45%) F = Frequently (46-100%)

Physical Demand

R

O

F

Stand or Sit

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Lifting or Carrying up to _20__ lbs. (minimum lbs lifted _5__ lbs)

X

Walking

X

Driving

X

Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance

X

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

A Career with Refresco 

Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:    

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance    
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts  
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance 
• Short-term disability and long-term disability   
• Pet Insurance  
• Legal Benefits  
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match  
• 12 Paid Holidays  
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit 
• Discount and Total Reward Programs   

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!   

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Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.  

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Equal Opportunity Employer
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