Packaging Engineer

Why This Role Is Worth Your Time

Own packaging systems end‑to‑end—from concept through FAT/SAT and vertical start‑up. You’ll lead capital projects that touch primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging, improving OEE, changeover time, and material yield across high‑volume lines.

What Makes This Location Great

You’ll sit with a cross‑functional team that values hands‑on engineering and clean documentation. Expect time on the floor, access to data, and the runway to standardize best practices across multiple sites.

Why This Location Works

• St. Louis cost of living trends below national averages—your dollars go further.

• Manageable commute times and multiple transit options for getting around the metro.

• Major airport access with broad nonstop coverage for vendor visits and site travel.

• Forest Park, the Zoo, museums, and riverfront trails make quick off‑hour resets easy.

Top 5 Must‑Haves

• BS in Engineering (or AS with 7+ years)—packaging systems design/project execution.

• 5+ years leading packaging capital: scope, URS, schedules, budgets, risk.

• Proven OEM/vendor management; RFQs, bid tabs, and technical evaluations.

• Validation mindset: FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ/PQ and change control.

• Clear communicator who drives decisions with data and crisp visuals.

What You’ll Do

• Design and optimize lines: fillers, cappers, cartoners, case packers, palletizers, and stretch wrappers.

• Specify materials and specs: films/laminates, corrugate, PET/HDPE, closures, labels.

• Own layouts, PFDs/P&IDs, guarding, and ergonomics; ensure hygienic design.

• Improve reliability: SMED changeovers, OEE/MTBF, centerline control, and PM standards.

• Integrate controls: PLC I/O, HMIs, recipe management, vision, checkweighers, X‑ray/metal detection.

• Lead vendors through FAT/SAT; manage punch lists, training, and spare‑parts plans.

• Build documentation: URS, FMEA, PFMEA, control plans, SOPs, and redlines.

• Partner with QA/Operations on HACCP/FSMA, allergen control, and hold/release.

Skills & Experience

• CAD (AutoCAD/SolidWorks); layouts, conveyors, accumulation, star‑wheels.

• Controls literacy (Allen‑Bradley/Studio 5000); VFDs, safety relays, and e‑stops.

• Data acumen: OEE dashboards, SPC/CPk, and root cause (5‑Why, fishbone, A3).

• Familiar with ISTA transit testing, pallet patterns, and unit load specs.

• Material science: seal curves, COF, WVTR/OTR, and downgauging/PCR.

• CIP for wet areas; clean design for dust handling; sanitation‑friendly frames.

• Strong contractor safety leadership; LOTO, permits, and hot‑work controls.

Pay & Schedule

• $100,000–$130,000 annual base, depending on experience.

• Full‑time role based in St. Louis, MO; travel ~30% to vendors and sites.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match.

• PTO and paid holidays.

• Professional development and cross‑site project exposure.

About the Facility/Industry

The employer produces wet and dry foods, treats, and related products in regulated environments. Packaging engineering protects product quality and brand reputation by delivering safe, efficient, and compliant packaging systems.

EEO + Safety

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer. Safety, PPE, and LOTO are non‑negotiable.

Primary Call to Action

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Application

To apply, go to www.nh3jobs.com.