Associate Packaging Engineer

Company Description

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an Associate Packaging Engineer with a strong technical foundation and a collaborative mindset to support both primary and secondary packaging initiatives.  This role will work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and R&D to drive packaging innovation, support growth initiatives, and improve operational efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and support packaging development projects with guidance from manager or senior team members.
• Contribute to base business and high complexity projects, ensuring technical excellence and timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain technical specifications, packaging documentation, and startup protocols.
• Complete BOM and spec builds in PLM system and review/approve graphics through online proofing.
• Write and execute plant trial experiments, analyze results, and present findings in both written and oral formats.
• Create project one-pagers, participate in plant debriefs, and follow R&D ways of working.
• Manage smaller projects independently, with accountability for timelines and deliverables.
• Build and maintain relationships with packaging suppliers to stay informed of industry trends and innovations.
• Interpret packaging principles and operating systems for assigned platforms.
• Maintain awareness of budget implications and contribute to strategic and fiscal planning.
• Actively participate in cross-functional teams, bringing packaging expertise to collaborative efforts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 an office setting with varying degrees of temperature and noise levels. The vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Completed Packaging internship, ideally in food.
• Understanding of packaging materials, machinery, and manufacturing processes.
• Great communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with packaging testing methods and regulatory requirements is a plus.
• Ability to understand CAD drawings of packaging materials and machine tooling.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams for package development and implementation.
• Effective communicator of ideas and concepts to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Base working knowledge of resin and fiber-based materials and packaging formats.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Cape/TOPS pallet pattern software.
• Understanding of packaging’s role in the supply chain and environmental optimization initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of display designs, supplier manufacturing capabilities, assembly/fulfillment processes, and graphic styles.
• Demonstrated initiative in packaging development projects and prior work experience.
• General understanding of packaging tests, manufacturing processes, and distribution systems.

Additional Information

The salary range for this role is is  $70,000 - $85,000 (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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.