Sr. Engineer - Packaging Innovation

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.

Consider applying here, if you want to:   

• Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.   
• Develop lasting relationships with great people.   
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.

Sr. Engineer - Packaging Innovation

The Senior Engineer – Packaging Innovation will lead the development and optimization of innovative packaging solutions, with a strong emphasis on structural design, advanced instrumentation, and performance validation. This role will drive projects from concept through demonstration & validation, ensuring that packaging solutions meet functional, aesthetic, sustainability, cost targets while aligning with customer and operational requirements.

Essential Functions

Packaging Design & Development

• Lead end-to-end package design initiatives, from concept ideation to demonstration & validation.
• Develop structural and aesthetic packaging concepts that balance functionality, consumer experience, sustainability, and manufacturability.
• Apply CAD/CAE tools to model and simulate packaging designs for process and service life performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality, Procurement, etc) to align package designs with product requirements and business objectives.

Instrumentation & Testing

• Develop and implement  quantitative approaches for performance testing, technology development and accelerate speed to market.
• Analyze test data to identify opportunities for material optimization, weight reduction, and design improvement.
• Establish and maintain standards, test protocols, and reporting systems for packaging validation.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive innovation by scouting for new processes (blowing, filling etc.), technologies, and packaging formats.
• Incorporate sustainable design principles (lightweighting, recyclability, renewable materials, circular economy).
• Partner with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and industry organizations to evaluate and integrate new packaging technologies.

Project Management

• Manage multiple packaging development projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Prepare technical documentation, design specifications, and testing reports to support decision-making and commercialization.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and interns.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 4 Years   – Experience in Packaging, manufacturing, controls, electrical, design related Engineering or Manufacturing fields
  • 4 Years  – Experience in packaging design, innovation, and testing, preferably in CPG, food & beverage, or related industries.
  • Strong expertise with CAD/CAE design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and simulation software
  • Hands-on experience with instrumentation and packaging testing equipment.
  • Proven track record of bringing packaging innovations from concept to market.
  • Knowledge of packaging regulations, industry standards, and sustainability frameworks.
  • creative thinker with ability to translate concepts into functional, manufacturable packaging.
  • proactive in identifying new technologies and materials
  • ability to balance environmental responsibility with performance and cost.
  • 2 Years  – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 6 Years– Experience in Packaging or other related Engineering or Manufacturing fields
  • 6 Years – Experience in Position
  • 4 Years  – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of beverage products and different beverage processes (including but are not limited to: hot fill, cold fill, HTST, CSD, and low acid aseptic)
• Great understanding of the CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Verification) process

• Project management competencies - planning, budgeting, schedule tracking, vendor management, and cost controls
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work well in collaborative group environments
• Good technical writing and presentation skills
• Must be well organized
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook
• Knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred
• Ability to work independently and with limited direction
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics

This position embodies the values of Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner
  • Manages a safe working environment, accurately documents safety related training, and effectively communicates safety incidents
  • Provides strategic input and oversight to departmental projects
  • Makes data driven decisions and develops sustainable solutions
  • Skilled in reducing costs and managing timelines while prioritizing long run impact over short term wins
  • Makes decisions by putting overall company success first before department/individual success
  • Leads/facilitates discussions to get positive outcomes for the customer
  • Makes strategic decisions which prioritize the needs of the customer over departmental/individual goals
• InnovACT
  • Continuously evaluates existing programs and processes, and develops new initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste
  • Creates, monitors, and responds to departmental performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
  • Communicates a clear vision, organizes resources effectively, and adjusts the strategy as needed when managing change
• Find a Way
  • Demonstrates ability to think analytically and synthesize complex information
  • Effectively delegates technical tasks to subordinates
  • Works effectively with departments, vendors, and customers to achieve organizational success
  • Identifies opportunities for collaboration in strategic ways
• Empowered to be Great
  • Makes hiring decisions primarily based on culture fit and attitude, and secondarily based on technical expertise
  • Engages in long term talent planning
  • Provides opportunities for the development of all direct reports
  • Understands, identifies, and addresses conflict within own team and between teams

Education

• Minimum Required: 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or other related field

• Preferred: 
  • Master's Degree in Engineering  or other related field

Certification/License:

• Required:            N/A
• Preferred:           CPLP Technologist, CPLP Technician , CPP

Foreign Language

• Required:            None Required
• Preferred:           Elementary Proficiency Spanish

Typical Compensation Range

Pay Rate Type: Salary

$107,143.99 - $150,001.60 / Yearly

Benefits

https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits

* *Los Angeles County applicants only** Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

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Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit résumé to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.