Associate Packaging Engineer

Just Born, Inc. is a family-owned candy manufacturer that has been creating joyful moments for generations. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we are proud to produce iconic brands like PEEPS, MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS.

Our purpose is simple: to create joyful moments and build stronger communities. Guided by our highest ideals - to take care of each other, do the right thing, and give forward - we remain committed to our people, our consumers, our community, and the planet.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an Associate Packaging Engineer to plan, develop, test, and commercialize packaging solutions for new and existing products. This is a hands-on role with exposure to new product development, continuous improvement, manufacturing, and sustainability.

You will work across packaging development, commercialization, supplier collaboration, manufacturing support, and data management. You will partner with cross-functional teams and suppliers to bring packaging concepts from ideation through commercialization.

You will help ensure solutions meet performance, cost, and operational requirements.

Location: Bethlehem, PA

Work Model: This is a fully onsite role, five days per week, supporting a live manufacturing operation.

How You'll Impact Results:

• Packaging Development & Commercialization

• Execute packaging projects from concept through commercialization

• Support new product launches and continuous improvement initiatives through structured stage-gate processes

• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, and test data to ensure packaging performance and feasibility

• Develop and maintain packaging specifications, test protocols, and documentation

• Testing, Validation & Manufacturing Support

• Plan and execute plant trials to validate packaging materials and design performance

• Troubleshoot packaging and production challenges in collaboration with manufacturing teams

• Provide technical support during production startups and scale-up activities

• Ensure packaging performs effectively across manufacturing, distribution, and retail environments

• Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with suppliers to develop, test, and improve packaging solutions

• Collaborate across R&D, operations, quality, and procurement to align packaging with product and process requirements

• Review packaging artwork for accuracy and production readiness

• Data, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate packaging data, material specifications, and bill of materials in SAP

• Support coding and printing systems to ensure reliable production execution

• Use data and root cause analysis to identify and implement improvements

• Contribute to sustainability efforts including material optimization, waste reduction, and recyclability improvements