ASSOCIATE PACKAGING ENGINEER at Kent Corporation

Ready to join a US Best Managed Company? KENT Precision Foods Group, a member of the Kent Corporation family of companies has a fantastic BRAND-NEW opportunity to join our thriving team as an Associate Packaging Engineer! This critical role will collaborate with internal and external resources to develop and identify materials to meet the Packaging plans and desires of the Sales, Marketing and Customer groups across Consumer and Foodservice Brands in the KENT family.

• This is a salaried position with a complete benefit package reporting to the Package Engineering and Sustainability Manager.
• The compensation range for this role is $70,000 to $75,000, in addition to KENT standard benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k). Final compensation is subject to variation based on the candidate's skills, job responsibilities, location and other pertinent factors.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop packaging products from inception in coordination with the Regulatory and Quality functions, and finally through Operations to full scale launch and shipment.  The position will require some direct interaction with customers and vendors when and where requested.
• Coordinate internally with R&D, Operations, Marketing, Procurement and Engineering to assure the manufacture of finished product using the targeted packaging.
• Responsible for the Packaging Formula Development (accuracy, completeness) of all product pack formulas.
  • Meet all necessary criteria of project including but not limited to packaging construction (barriers, materials, style options), package sustainability and recyclability requirements, cost guidelines, packaging specification requirements, shelf-life requirements, outside testing, customer and marketing interaction.
  • As needed, accurately make samples for customer’s evaluation and send accordingly with all required information (letter, label, etc.)
• Research new packaging and contact packaging suppliers for information and samples.
• Interact with Quality and Regulatory on compliance and plant QA quality issues related to Packaging and packaging impacted issues.
• Participate in material testing, including but not limited to shelf-life evaluations, drop testing, permeability and barrier testing, etc.
• Cross-train with R&D on formula management processes and assure co-department back-up for Package Formula Development, using appropriate company software.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• 0-3 years of experience working with packaging or related processes for food production.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, presentation skills.
• Excellent computer and math skills.
• 3D CAD software knowledge.
• Ability to work in team environment and independently in a flexible work environment with frequently changing priorities.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

TRAVEL:

• Up to 25%, as needed in support of business initiatives.

OTHER:

• Must have a valid driver’s license to travel between facilities.