Packaging Engineer

Ruiz Foods has been family owned since 1964, is one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the country and is the proud maker of two #1 brands: El Monterey frozen Mexican food and Tornados roller grill taquitos in grocery stores and convenience stores across the US and Canada.

Are you looking for career development opportunities in an exciting company that cares about its team members and consumers alike? Come join our team and help us continue our industry-leading track record of growth, quality, and delicious food!

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a subject matter expert in the company, support project management, operations, engineering and performance optimization efforts on all packaging related programs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for new package design and commercialization.
• Support R&D, NPD, Corporate Quality and Sales & Marketing in the progression of packaging systems and solutions for Ruiz’s customers and consumers
• Develop and maintain product and raw material technical specifications, including Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Define, develop and test all packaging elements such as plastic roll stock, cartons, thermoforming, rigid trays, corrugated cases, and pallet patterns.
• Drive and support productivity initiatives while maintaining or improving the quality of our products.
• Participate in all phases of a project from initial team meetings through ideation, support, proposal generation, installation, commissioning and start up
• As assigned by the project scope, specify packaging material which meet project expectations within the time and budget constraints.
• Provide guidance and expertise to plant operations, project managers and other functions related to packaging projects
• May be assigned as project manager on specific projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging
• 3-6 years of experience in a Packaging Engineering capacity, preferable in food packaging
• Working knowledge in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging equipment and materials applicable to the food industry. This would include technologies such as thermoforming, flow wrapping, cartoning and tray sealing
• Working knowledge of materials:
• • Fiber (paperboard & corrugated fiberboard) packaging development, qualification and troubleshooting
  • Polyolefins (PE, PP, PET), their properties and use as food containers.
• Understanding of distribution qualification and test methods (ISTA, ASTM, etc.).
• Ability to think creatively and adapt in changing environments
• Pro-activity, personal drive, decisiveness, commercial / business insight, interpersonal skills, excellent teamwork skills, organizational competency, and the ability to prioritize
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, CAPE or TOPS
• Ability to travel 35% of time