Lead Packaging Engineer

Fresh Del Monte

Pittsburgh, PA

Estimated pay: Est. $20–$30/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

Shift: Full time

**Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.** is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables under our Fresh and Foods divisions. Our diverse product portfolio proudly bears the Del Monte® brand and also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts - available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

**Benefits We Offer Include:**

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life & disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 7 Company Paid Holidays
• 24/7 Telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program
• Optional voluntary benefits (legal, accident, identity protection)
• Eligibility on the first of the month following your hire date

**Purpose of Position:**

Del Monte Foods is the Foods Division of Fresh Del Monte, a global grower, producer and marketer of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable produce. Del Monte Foods has a powerful portfolio of brands, including the iconic Del Monte®, Contadina® and S&W®. We are currently seeking a Lead Packaging Engineer.

The Lead Packaging Engineer provides technical packaging expertise for new product development, cost optimization, quality improvements, brand renovation and packaging legislation/ sustainability projects. The Lead Packaging Engineer is a vocal thought leader that provides technical and business recommendations to influence cross-functional leaders in evaluating business opportunities, understanding available technologies, and assessing risks. The Lead Packaging Engineer plans, communicates, and initiates the roll-out of new technology platforms across or within a business unit. The Lead Packaging Engineer works independently with cross-functional leaders on key company initiatives.

**Accountabilities:**

• Manage daily packaging design and optimization projects for assigned product categories.
• Oversee all aspects of package development and validation, managing the work plans for project assigned
• Manages technically complex projects and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Lead packaging development (primary, secondary, & shipment / transportation) and propose changes across existing product lines (improvements in quality, productivity, and cost optimization).
• Minimize schedule and technical risk by foreseeing and addressing obstacles proactively and aggressively while effectively managing resources.
• Communicate and collaborate with all stakeholders and other functions (R&D Teams, Quality, Operations, & Procurement) to ensure project objectives are clearly defined and achieved.
• Investigates and champions new packaging technologies including materials, processes and equipment.
• Recognized as subject matter expert and technical packaging leader.
• Collaborates with material and equipment vendors to identify solutions for new package options.
• Independently leads plant trials and Commissioning runs.
• Leads root causes analysis with cross-functional resources and external resources and ensure corrective actions are implemented and documented.
• Shares technical trends and developments in the packaging and food industry with Packaging Team.
• Works with external resources to create solutions that help increase confidence and reduce risk in business decisions, such as SLAs, digitally printed labels, etc.
• Identify potential intellectual property issues and ensure Legal assessment.
• Provides packaging specifications and associated work procedures to maintain customer quality requirements.
• Document PDM specifications and recipes, project updates and other critical project documents
• Travels independently to plant and vendor locations domestically & internationally, sometimes for extended periods.
• Other duties in support of evolving business and functional needs.

**Minimum Skills Required:**

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or comparable field of study.
• 5-10 years of experience in an analytical function required.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, processes, and equipment.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot problems.
• Sound knowledge and experience in SAP, specifications, and bill of materials.
• Strong collaboration/ teamwork and communication skills.
• Completes work accurately and completely with high attention to detail.
• Experience in fast moving consumer products or businesses that require supporting high quality, short lead time, marketing / customer driven initiatives
• Proficient in the use of MS Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and in team environment
• Ability to work on cross function team including sales, marketing, engineering, product R&D, Operations, & Co-Pack manufacturing
• Solid understanding of palletizing programs (e.g., TOP