Packaging Engineering Lead

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include such icons as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin' Dots along with other key brands like LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice, The Funnel Cake Factory Funnel Cakes, and Hola Churros. J&J also has a strong presence in bakery providing cakes, cookies, and pies to some of the largest grocery and convenience retailers in industry. Our company continues to deliver record sales led by a talented team and a commitment to "Fun Served Here".

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Packaging Engineering Lead provides technical and strategic leadership for the design, development, optimization, and implementation of packaging solutions that support food safety, product quality, operational efficiency, customer requirements, and business objectives. This role is responsible for packaging materials, specifications, equipment integration, and packaging processes for new and existing products within a food manufacturing environment. Working cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and commercial teams, the Packaging Engineering Lead drives innovation, standardization, continuous improvement, cost reduction, and compliance with regulatory, safety, and sustainability requirements. This position also plays a key role in troubleshooting packaging-related issues, improving line performance, and ensuring packaging solutions meet both manufacturing and consumer expectations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads end-to-end packaging development for pretzels, churros, and cookies, from concept to product launch.
• Designs packaging that preserves freshness, texture, and shelf-life while minimizing breakage and grease or sugar migration.
• Develops packaging solutions optimized for high-speed, automated production and packaging lines, including flow wrap, VFFS, cartoning, thermoforming, and case packing.
• Partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, and Procurement to ensure packaging is scalable, cost-effective, and optimized across multiple plants and co-manufacturers.
• Conducts packaging trials, line validations, and distribution testing to verify package performance, durability, and operational efficiency.
• Leads root cause analysis and resolution of packaging-related issues affecting quality, line performance, waste, or customer experience.
• Identifies cost saving opportunities through material optimization, structural redesign, automation compatibility, and process improvements.
• Supports sustainability initiatives, including recyclable packaging, PCR incorporation, and waste reduction.
• Partners with packaging suppliers, converters, and equipment vendors to develop, test, qualify, and implement new packaging materials and technologies.
• Maintains packaging specifications, technical drawings, and artwork approvals while ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory, customer, and brand requirements.
• Establishes packaging standards and best practices to drive consistency and performance across manufacturing locations and co-manufacturing partners.
• Provides packaging engineering support for equipment selection, line modifications, and capital projects related to packaging systems.
• Manages multiple high-complexity projects, providing clear recommendations and updates to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Serves as a technical resource and subject matter expert for packaging systems, materials, and processes.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the VP of Engineering.

COMPETENCIES: 

To succeed in this role, the Packaging Engineering Lead must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to connect packaging and process improvements to cost, yield, efficiency, and product quality outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including root cause analysis, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and plant leadership to drive alignment and sustainable operational change.
• Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials, packaging equipment, and food manufacturing processes.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to clearly present recommendations, technical information, and project updates to internal teams and external partners.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Packaging R&D within CPG food manufacturing, preferably baked snacks.
• Experience commercializing packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Knowledge of flexible films, rigid plastics, corrugate, closures, and palletization systems.
• Experience designing packaging for automated high-speed lines and production equipment.
• Proven experience leading capital projects collaborating cross-functionally.
• Solid understanding of GMPs, HACCP, sanitary design, and food safety standards.
• MAP, club store, e-commerce, and foodservice packaging experience, preferred.
• Packaging development software experience (TOPS, CAPE), a plus.

TRAVEL: 

This position is based in La Vergne, TN. Domestic travel is required to support projects and initiatives, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 30%, depending on business needs.

US Salary Pay Range

$120,000-$130,000 USD

Disclaimer: This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement: J&J Snack Foods Corp.is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against, and treatment of, employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, alienage, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status, sex offenses, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking and unemployment status.