Principal Packaging Process Engineer

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Principal Packaging Process Engineer

Hopkins, Minnesota

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Job ID 26-2353 Date posted Apr. 20, 2026 Category Engineering

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron, bibigo, Tony's, Big Daddy's, Freschetta, Pagoda, Edwards and Mrs. Smith's. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

We are hiring a Principal Packaging Process Engineer in our R&D Team supporting our Asian Business, and this person will be responsible for supporting package development projects that meet business unit needs. This position is responsible for the identification, development, improvement, and testing of complex, new and breakthrough food packaging equipment. You will be empowered and work under limited supervision to research, develop, document, and test innovative packaging equipment solutions that are new to CJ/Schwan's or new to the world. You will also be responsible for providing project leadership for both packaging led projects and as the expert packaging resource on Business Unit led projects. This role requires 30-50% travel, typically to our Brooklyn, NY, Beaumont, CA, Sioux Falls, SD, and Houston, TX-based Asian foods plants, and is ideally based out of our new Hopkins, MN corporate HQ. Please also note we are NOT currently considering those requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

What You Will Do:

• Bring packaging engineering functional expertise, leading internal & external engineers to deliver large scale, multi-unit packaging projects ($2MM to $40MM+ capital).
• Lead feasibility studies, (i.e. POP - Proof of Principle) and develop and implement solutions that meet or exceed needed requirements.
• Provide hands-on leadership in design and execution of next generation packaging lines, taking it from concept to commercialization. Understands LEAN principles and the critical interface points between the materials, machine, and human.
• Develop packaging scope including line performance metrics, packaging & process flow diagrams, optimum layout, POP proof of principle testing, lead FMEA, FAT, SAT, and qualification criteria.
• Bring together diverse technologies and concepts to create new-to-the-world packages and packaging concepts within CJ/Schwan's manufacturing and co-packer facilities.
• Partner with internal/external resources to assess opportunities for innovative designs, performance improvements, technical advantages, speed to market and capital efficiency.
• Interface with manufacturing and operations engineering departments to identify, educate and implement major cost-saving projects or packaging improvements involving new processes, packaging technology, and equipment.
• Effectively influence and can obtain buy-in for new and breakthrough technologies.
• Develop, present, and communicate preliminary capital proposals of new packaging equipment technology, or cost reduction opportunities including determination of ROI and other benefits, process or equipment specifications, and estimated capital investment and production capacity and attainment.
• Document all work according to established procedures and guidelines and prepare various project reports to project personnel and project leader to ensure complete communication of project status, progress, issues, solutions, timeline, and accountability.
• Coach and mentor both internal and external Engineers to build technical competence.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Packaging or Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of engineering experience, ideally a majority of which is within an OEM packaging equipment manufacturing setting.
• 5+ years of engineering experience with OEM of packaging equipment that services the food industry.
• Prior OEM experience in highly automated packaging systems: forming, sealing, transferring, structural integrity, robotics, automation, flexible, rigid.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing, engineering, quality, and research functions. Demonstrated compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, City and/or State agencies, etc. for packaging processes.
• Working knowledge of R&D product/package development flow from conception to product launch.
• Ability to develop Packaging Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) and perform pay-back calculations and sizing of equipment.
• Ability to travel 30% to 50% as required.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The salary range represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, and wellbeing support programs.

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.

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At Schwan's, we believe in creating a workplace that's as enjoyable as our food. Recently, our HR team was surprised with Bibigo Steamed Dumplings, bringing smiles and deliciousness to the office. It's these tasty perks and fun moments that make working here so special. Join our team and experience the joy of being part of a company that values great food and a great work environment!

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