Plant Packaging Engineer

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As a packaging engineer, you will analyze and optimize manufacturing, packaging line and material handling operations to improve efficiency, reduce cost and optimize production capacity. You will lead packaging capital investments to expand manufacturing capability including executing projects from feasibility, design and engineering, installation, commissioning and startup.  You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams, identify and implement improvement initiatives and contribute to the overall success of our organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)   

• Support Plant Operations                                                                                  
  • Developing, optimizing and improving manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, quality and safety.
  • Identifying and implementing packaging improvements to reduce cost, minimize waste and increase efficiency.
  • Monitor and analyze line data, identifying trends and proposing solutions for packaging improvements.
  • Monitor, track and seek opportunities to improve Laser Guided Vehicles (LGV) utilization and performance.
  • Conduct detailed analysis and evaluation of existing manufacturing processes, identifying areas for improvement and recommending appropriate solutions.
  • Monitor and analyze packaging performance metrics, such as cycle time, OEE, scrap rate and develop strategies to meet or exceed targets.
  • Design and implement optimization strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle time and improve product quality.
  • Identify and implement packaging control measures, including statistical process control (SPC) techniques, to ensure consistent quality and reduce process variation.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise to resolve equipment and packaging related issues to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Participate in cross-functional teams to drive equipment failure root cause analysis, corrective actions and preventive measures.
  • Provide training and guidance to production teams on new processes, procedures and equipment to ensure successful implementation and operation.

• Technical Services and Support                                                            
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new packaging technologies and equipment.
  • Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production and quality assurance teams to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
  • Stay current with the latest advancements in packaging engineering technologies, methodologies and best practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

• Capital Projects                                                                                      
  • Execute packaging focused capital projects from feasibility analysis, appropriation request, design and engineering, installation, commissioning and startup.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory requirements in all packaging engineering and capital project activities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical or similar).
• 3+ years of experience as a packaging engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization techniques, lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex packaging issues.
• Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Food manufacturing experience, with meat processing a plus.
• PMP certification.
• Master’s degree in packaging engineering or a related field.
• Professional certification in packaging engineering or related areas.
• Experience with packaging automation and control systems.
• Knowledge of automation and control systems, such as SCADA and PLC.
• Knowledge of packaging simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems, such as ISO standards.\

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a office / plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products, and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

The salary range for this role is $76,500-$95,600 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.