Job Locations
US-VA-Smithfield
US-IL-Lisle
Your Opportunity
The Associate Packaging Engineer is responsible for providing the project management required to design, develop and implement new or improved packaging that enables Smithfield to meet strategic business goals. This individual will work closely with a variety of functional groups, including Sourcing, Product Development, R&D, Marketing, Business Development, Operations, as well as outside suppliers and consultants to achieve desired goals. Effective project planning and managing multiple priorities with minimal supervision is required to obtaining success in this role.
Core Responsibilities
- Design and execute packaging technology strategies from concept to commercialization, including growth initiatives, quality improvements, productivity/cost-reduction activities, troubleshooting activities and general packaging support as needed.
- Understand, interpret and refine package testing procedures and standards to support the effective design, validation, and implementation of new packages and packaging technology. Provide meaningful explanations, recommendations and forward actions to appropriate Division/Subsidiary personnel.
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external resources in order to cost effectively implement packaging initiatives.
- Leverage best practices and capitalize on technologies with cross-functional, cross-site business applications. Understand performance relationships between packaging materials and the equipment they are used on.
- Promote innovative thinking to generate unique and value-added packaging ideas for existing or new products. Develop and maintain packaging specifications.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
- General knowledge of packaging materials, equipment and manufacturing processes are a plus, but not required.
- Experience in food industry preferred.
- General knowledge of food science, processing and manufacturing are a plus, but not preferred.
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Must have good oral and written communication skills to communicate with all levels.
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Strong time management, project management and organizational skills and the ability to work alone.
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Must possess good research and development capabilities, including experimental design, and be able to understand package testing methodologies.
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Strong skills in Word and Excel.
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Experience with SAP a plus.
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Ability to travel frequently – estimated average of 60%.
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Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
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Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Primarily a Corporate working environment. When in the plant, the environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
EEO/AA Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
RJS2020