Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Job description:  

This Senior Scientist Packaging R&D role provides packaging leadership across innovation, renovation, productivity, ESG, and maintenance initiatives across the MCCS (Meats, Cheese, Coffee, Snacking) platform.  This role is responsible for identifying, scoping, and leading technical packaging projects that support business priorities from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, sound scientific judgment, and a track record of independently driving packaging work plans to deliver results. This includes understanding business needs, consumer needs, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, translating findings into recommendations, documenting technical work, communicating clearly with cross-functional partners, and supporting successful commercialization. Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to apply packaging principles and prior learning to new products, processes, and challenges. 

Key components of the role   

• Lead the MCCS packaging productivity pipeline (~25% of role), including pipeline governance, prioritization, and delivery of cost/sustainability/value initiatives 

• Serve as the packaging lead across multiple projects spanning business product categories 

• Identify technical risks, define work plans, and drive packaging activities from concept through qualification and commercialization 

• Partner cross-functionally with Product R&D, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and other stakeholders to advance business initiatives  

• Understand the consumer and partner with CIS (Consumer Insights & Strategy) to inform packaging decisions 

• Design, execute, and interpret packaging tests in laboratory and production environments 

• Translate technical findings into clear recommendations, business implications, and next steps 

• Create, update, and maintain detailed technical documentation and packaging specifications 

• Manage multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize effectively across competing business needs 

• Apply scientific and packaging principles to new products, materials, processes, and technical challenges 

Qualifications 

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 

• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 5 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience, or PhD degree plus 3 years of relevant experience 

• Strong understanding of packaging materials, equipment, material interaction, and packaging test methods 

• Strong understanding of modified atmosphere and thermoforming. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and influence cross-functional team 

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 

• Ability to coach, guide, and motivate others 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and complete work with minimal guidance 

• Willingness to travel up to 30%