R&D Associate Packaging Engineer presso Tillamook County Creamery Association

Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals. Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us. 

As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day. 

What you will do:

In support of Tillamook innovation and continuous improvement, the R&D Associate Packaging Engineer will actively assist our Packaging team to identify, design, test, and integrate new packaging ideas, components and materials. This role will report to the Packaging Manager within the Research and Development Department and support the development of new product packaging to help Tillamook to win in the marketplace.

You will solve straightforward packaging problems, seeking input, and guidance from team members. Your work typically focuses on the sampling and development of package specifications, BOM’s, pallet patterns, and simple packaging systems. You have a general knowledge of packaging development concepts (common package materials, distribution/handling, etc.) and of the fundamentals involved in the package manufacturing process. You can develop a package component that meets defined specifications and requirements. You will work with suppliers to understand the feasibility of how to fabricate and manufacture designs (e.g., DFM, tolerance analysis, etc.). You deliver samples for team consideration. You may work on a few programs at a time, but complexity may be limited in scope. You review project briefs, timelines, product specifications, prototypes, and any other documentation that is available. You participate in team meetings, scoping, and prioritization discussions.  You research how a proposed solution might impact the product (e.g., cost, functionality, quality, durability, performance) and communicate all findings to stakeholders so they can make well-informed decisions. You prepare and share your designs for review and appropriately refine them to meet requirements. You will support stewardship, EPR, recycling documentation, and other sustainable events for the Tillamook brand. 

Excellent cross functional communication and organized project management is critical.  Attending project meetings, updating cross functional stakeholders, and presenting the status of multiple projects are key tasks.  Overnight travel to manufacturing sites, retail customers, and production trials are often required.

Here’s a day in the life:

• Solves straightforward Packaging Development problems, and Demonstrates ability to design with common packaging materials, confirm feasibility, and investigate continuous improvement.

• Tests package components to develop specifications

• Coordinates and completes project tasks for review with Packaging team using “Workfront”

• Supports documentation requirements for Stewardship reporting, EPR and sustainable “end-of-life” labeling

• Assists high-quality prototypes, samples, and detailed design drawings with specifications

• Maintains good record keeping and organization for historical specifications and other documents.

• Communicates status of projects to keep all cross functional stakeholders informed

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• B.S. Degree in Packaging, or related field

• 1-3 years’ experience and / or internships; preferably with a CPG organization.

• Good communication skills with ability to organize and articulate thoughts and concepts. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and Packaging Specific programs (Artios, Tops, Specification software).

• Ability to travel 10-15%.

Working Conditions:

Office: Individual workspace, desk, and computer. Generally quiet, temperature controlled, and well lit. Requires sitting majority of shift; can include standing and walking to accomplish tasks.  May require stooping, bending, and crouching to file, retrieving supplies. Occasional lifting of 55 pounds.     

Plant Floor: This role requires visits to manufacturing facilities that will be new to the employee.  Care must be taken to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions in or around the manufacturing facility.  Space can be crowded with manufacturing equipment. Must remain aware of forklift traffic. Noisy; some areas can be dusty. May encounter extremes in temperature. Requires standing entire shift, walking on uneven, slippery surfaces, stooping, bending, and crouching and climbing ladders. Duties may include repetitive motion of hands and lifting to 55 pounds.    

 

Industry leading benefit and reward programs:

We offer outstanding benefits to our employees. For more information, please visit the careers page: www.tillamook.com/careers.

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging.  We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success.  We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.   

 

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace.   EEO

TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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