Sr. Packaging Engineer I – R&D Packaging

About

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?
Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride.

As part of a cross‑functional team, you will lead the development of innovative and efficient packaging solutions for our US Cakes & Pastries (C&P) brands, such as CA!, Oreo, belVita, 7 Days. This role requires a passion for packaging, strong technical expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

The individual must possess strong technical skills, the ability to learn on the fly and execute independently by leveraging their expertise and experience. This candidate must demonstrate the ability to be a strong team player representing our technical organization. Must be able to find technical solutions when problems are identified, with timely and effective communication to key stakeholders like Business Development, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality, as well as the US cross‑functional team including Marketing, PCDM, Product and Process Development.

How You Will Contribute

Scope of the Position

• Deliver against multiple C&P brands: responsible for the development and execution of packaging projects across various stages, from initial concept to final implementation.
• Execute Packaging Development: plan and manage projects in alignment with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing requirements, including:
  • Bench top experimentation: conducting tests to evaluate material properties and performance.
  • Pilot plant trials: testing packaging designs in a scaled‑down manufacturing environment.
  • Plant trials: validating packaging performance in a full‑scale production setting.
• Ensure Compliance: adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements to ensure product safety and quality.
• Lead plant trials for packaging materials, working with cross‑functional teams (Marketing, Procurement, Business Development, Production, Supply Chain and Quality). Properly plan, coordinate, and report each trial, provide appropriate level of technical support and troubleshooting to execute trial objectives and ensure proper documentation of each activity.
• Design, plan and conduct analytical testing, line trials and package performance testing.
• Build and maintain relationships and constant communication with key pack material vendors on the development of new concepts, materials, and quality improvements.
• Leverage and challenge suppliers and partners to develop new technologies and cost‑advantaged and sustainable packaging formats and materials to achieve business goals.
• Ability to generate, develop and execute packaging ideas by leveraging both existing equipment in the company and new equipment.
• Leverage Technical Skills: utilize knowledge of materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes to create technically sound and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions, from primary pack to pallet level.
• Communicate Effectively: communicate project status, risks, and results to stakeholders; create technical reports, analyze data, and make recommendations based on findings.
• Contribute to Intellectual Property Development: play an active role in identifying and protecting intellectual property related to packaging innovations.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise from package development, line trials and commercialization with limited supervision.

What You Will Bring

A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career and the following experience and knowledge:

• Technical Expertise: a strong understanding of packaging materials, processes, and design principles.
• Problem‑Solving Abilities: the ability to identify and solve technical problems effectively, independently, and as part of a team.
• Data Analysis Skills: the ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and make informed recommendations.
• Communication Skills: excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical writing, to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to get results through working with a diverse team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity.
• Executional excellence, time management and problem‑solving competencies.

More About This Role

What you need to know about this position

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: work closely with teams in product development, marketing, quality, procurement, finance, supply chain, and suppliers.
• Project Management: responsible for managing the execution of packaging development projects from start to finish.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: play a key role in driving packaging innovation and improving existing packaging processes.

What extra ingredients you will bring

• Graphics: a deep understanding of the printing process and its impact on packaging performance.
• Product Packaging Interactions: a comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between products, packaging, and manufacturing processes to ensure optimal product quality and consumer experience.
• Communication and Collaboration: the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels and work collaboratively within a diverse team.
• Problem‑Solving & Adaptability: strong problem‑solving skills, a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges, and the ability to learn on the fly.
• Breakthrough Mindset: a willingness to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and drive innovative packaging solutions.

Education / Certifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.

Job Specific Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the food industry with a proven track record of executing successful plant trials for R&D.
• Experience managing projects within a cross‑functional team.
• Experience in development, trials, and commercialization of packaging initiatives.
• Experience with flexible, rigid, paperboard, and corrugated materials.
• Preferred experience in flexible film development and modified atmosphere packaging.
• Knowledge of Cakes & Pastries product failure modes, shelf‑life modeling, and frozen supply chain.
• Planning and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with creating technical specifications, die lines, artwork process and mockups.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time for domestic vendor/manufacturing visits.

Work Schedule

Onsite role with hybrid work model.

Salary and Benefits

• Base salary range: $86,900 to $119,515 (U.S. candidates only; other countries determined by local benchmarks).
• Eligible for a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.
• Benefits include: health insurance, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education‑related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Many benefits are subsidized or fully paid by the company.
• No relocation support available.

Business Unit Summary

The United States is the largest market in the Mondelēz International family with a significant employee and manufacturing footprint. Here, we produce our well‑loved household favorites to provide our consumers with the right snack, at the right moment, made the right way. We have corporate offices, sales, manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. to ensure our iconic brands—including Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers, and Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids confectionery products—are close at hand for our consumers across the country.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mondelēz Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact 847‑943‑5460 for assistance.

For more information about your Federal rights, please see eeopost.pdf; EEO is the Law Poster Supplement; Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Job Type

Regular

Functional Area

Packaging Development & Engineering – Science & Engineering