Packaging Engineer

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made—creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Now, as part of Flowers Foods, we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth—expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it’s watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company, and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health, and NPR’s How I Built This. In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at www.simplemills.com.

Role Description

We’re seeking a Packaging Engineer who is excited to play a critical role in delivering high-performing, sustainable, and scalable packaging solutions. This role will be responsible for leading packaging innovation and execution across our portfolio of food products. You will work cross-functionally with internal and external partners to drive packaging development that meets performance, regulatory, and brand standards, while also delivering on cost, quality, and sustainability goals. 

This role will report to the Senior Packaging Engineer. 

Responsibilities Will Include: 

Lead Packaging Development & Innovation 

• Develop primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for new and existing products that meet performance, functionality, and brand requirements. 

• Identify and implement packaging optimizations that enhance shelf appeal, manufacturability, and sustainability. 

• Support packaging concept development through commercialization, including prototyping, testing, and supplier engagement. 

Drive Technical Execution & Line Support 

• Lead packaging qualification and testing efforts to ensure packaging meets Simple Mills’ standards for product protection, shelf life, distribution durability, and consumer experience. 

• Provide on-site support for packaging trials, new item launches, and scale-up activities. 

• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues in production and partner with contract manufacturers and suppliers to identify root causes and corrective actions. 

Advance Packaging Sustainability 

• Research and evaluate innovative packaging materials and formats that align with our sustainability goals. 

• Identify and implement changes that improve recyclability, reduce material usage, and support our mission to improve the food system. 

• Maintain awareness of regulatory trends and evolving environmental standards. 

Cross-Functional Partnership & Project Leadership 

• Collaborate closely with R&D, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to ensure packaging solutions align with brand strategy, operational feasibility, and consumer needs. 

• Own packaging timelines and deliverables within commercialization and continuous improvement projects. 

• Maintain and manage packaging specifications to support business continuity and compliance. 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field 
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on packaging development experience in food or consumer packaged goods 
• Deep understanding of packaging materials and structures (flexible films, paperboard, corrugated, etc.) and their performance characteristics 
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), TOPS, and Microsoft Office Suite 
• Ability to lead technical projects independently and influence cross-functional decision-making at peer level and above. 
• Ability to travel as needed, ranging from 35% to 50% over the next 24 months, depending on project needs, production trials, and supplier engagement. 
• Possess strong collaborations skills and are able to work closely and effectively with cross-functional partners, including R&D, Marketing, Sales, Procurement and Finance. 
• Clear and proactive communications that take technical matters and relay impacts and opportunities in a concise and timely manner across a wide range of audiences and stakeholders. 
• Adaptable to an ever changing business environment that is not always clearly defined and can pivot quickly in an innovative and high growth business. 
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience leading sustainability initiatives and developing recyclable or compostable packaging formats 

• Understanding of manufacturing and packaging equipment used in food production 

• Strong problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and desire to improve how things are done 

• Experience being the leader of projects and managing them from start to finish. 

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand—we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.

• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.

• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.

• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We don’t just talk about doing good—we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.

• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you’re ready to shape the future of food, let’s talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life. 

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $90,000 - $95,000
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance, calculated at the end of the fiscal year.

• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support your long-term financial security. 

• Work-Life Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally with unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays (where afternoons are yours to recharge), and a three-week sabbatical after five years of service, because we believe your best work happens when you have the time to rest and refocus.

• Health & Wellness Perks: Lifestyle stipends and exclusive product perks to enhance your well-being, because your health and happiness matter. 

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact. 

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent, and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago, IL office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].