Principal Packaging Engineer

Reporting to the Senior Director, Packaging, you will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new, improved, and cost‑reduced packaging solutions that meet business objectives, advance stewardship priorities, and comply with regulatory requirements. You will serve as the primary technical project leader for multiple business platforms and packaging stewardship initiatives while providing cross‑functional leadership on both large strategic initiatives and major base business projects. You will also act as a technical mentor and key resource for packaging engineering platforms.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

Champion ideas for technology improvements, compliance requirements, sustainability enhancements, cost savings, and innovation aligned with strategic business priorities.

Serve as a recognized subject matter expert and technical leader in packaging engineering.

Drive execution of complex, cross‑functional projects to deliver against platform and enterprise‑level objectives.

Maintain a strong awareness of technical trends, regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and advancements within the packaging industry.

Define and align technical objectives for assigned businesses and projects.

Lead multiple complex projects simultaneously while managing priorities effectively.

Collaborate closely with internal business partners and cross‑functional teams at a senior level.

Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, suppliers, and technical resources.

Represent the company with professionalism and contribute positively to its reputation within the technical and packaging community.

Apply strong expertise in experimental design, performance specifications, and commissioning, qualification, and validation design.

Mentor and develop packaging engineers across platforms.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the packaging industry, preferably within consumer packaged goods, or a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Packaging or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

Experience with government regulatory requirements related to Extended Producer Responsibility and food processing.

Excellent understanding of packaging materials, equipment capabilities, and advanced testing methodologies.

Strong knowledge of food science and the impact of packaging on food quality.

Thorough understanding of end‑of‑life design requirements for recyclable packaging.

Strong knowledge of food safety principles, sanitary design, and equipment cleaning.

In‑depth knowledge of physical and structural package testing procedures.

Understanding of the current packaging regulatory landscape, including Extended Producer Responsibility laws.

Proven skill analyzing all aspects of new packaging systems.

Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

Strong collaboration skills with the capacity to maintain effective cross‑functional partnerships.

Effective negotiation skills for conflict resolution.

Experience supporting intellectual property development and exclusivity patents.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Physical Requirements

• More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply:
• You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
• You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.
• This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Number of Days in Office: 4

• #LI-Hybrid
• #LI-MH1
• #LI-MSL

Compensation

Pay Range:$109,000-$159,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement

Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan

Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement

Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.