Senior Technologist, Packaging Research & Development

Position Overview

Are you ready to shape the future of packaging for some of the most iconic sweet baked snacks? As the Senior Technologist, Packaging Research & Development (R&D) for Sweet Baked Snacks, you’ll lead innovation from concept to implementation – whether in the lab, on the plant floor, at a pilot site, or engaging with consumers. Located in Orrville, Ohio and operating under a hybrid work arrangement (up to 50% in-office), you will collaborate across Product R&D, Creative Services, Brand Management, and Suppliers to drive breakthrough packaging solutions. We are bold, kind, and committed to doing the right thing, supporting every employee’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate boldly with Product R&D, Creative Services, Brand Management, and Suppliers to bring new packaging concepts to life starting from the earliest design stages.
• Design and develop innovative packaging solutions using materials like film/laminate, thermoforming, injection molding, paperboard, and corrugated formats driven by consumer needs and business goals.
• Lead testing and validation of packaging performance across production, distribution, shelf life, sustainability, and consumer usability with growing independence.
• Execute qualifications and trials with suppliers and production facilities, ensuring seamless integration into manufacturing processes.
• Drive plant trials with precision planning, executing, analyzing, and summarizing results in partnership with manufacturing and technical teams.
• Craft performance-based specifications and manage them within our electronic database system.
• Advise and recommend top-tier suppliers and service providers to support successful product launches.
• Champion innovation by proposing new packaging technologies, sustainability solutions, cost-saving ideas, and creative problem-solving approaches.
• Support technical troubleshooting across the packaging supply chain and production environments.
• Build strong relationships with strategic packaging suppliers to stay ahead of trends and capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. Degree in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Material Science
• 2+ years of experience in packaging development or technical operations within Consumer Packaged Goods (food, beverage, or medical)
• Familiarity with package qualification testing procedures
• Strong project management skills to lead cross-functional efforts and manage timelines, budgets, and resources
• Exceptional organizational, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities
• Confident communicator with strong presentation, verbal, and written skills
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and eager to learn continuously
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% based on project needs and launch schedules

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Food Packaging industry

Benefits & Perks

• Helping our Employees Thrive
• Delivering on Our Purpose
• Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All