Packaging Engineer I

Packaging Engineer I - Blackfoot, Idaho

The Packaging Engineer I will help execute packaging development, commercialization, maintenance, and cost improvement projects by coordinating packaging samples, testing, specifications, plant trials, and technical documentation. The role applies foundational knowledge of packaging materials and formats including flexible films, thermoform materials, paperboard, corrugate, labels, and other food packaging components. As part of R&D, the Packaging Engineer I works with Product Development, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, packaging suppliers, and external manufacturing partners to help ensure packaging solutions meet food safety, quality, cost, manufacturability, and customer requirements.

This is an individual contributor position intended for an early-career engineer with some packaging, manufacturing, or food/CPG experience after college.

Although the ideal candidate would work on-site at our Blackfoot, Idaho location, a fully remote role may be considered for applicants living in metro areas within easy traveling distance to southeast Idaho, such as Boise or Salt Lake City.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support assigned packaging development, commercialization, maintenance, cost savings, and continuous improvement projects under the direction of the Packaging Development Manager.
2. Assist in developing, updating, and maintaining packaging material specifications, palletizing specifications, packaging manufacturing specifications, and specification database records.
3. Coordinate packaging samples, supplier information, test requests, lab evaluations, plant trials, and project documentation needed to support packaging changes and new product commercialization.
4. Execute or support packaging testing for seal integrity, barrier properties, shelf-life support, compression, palletization, distribution, line performance, and material compatibility under guidance.
5. Participate in plant line trials and start-up support by collecting data, documenting observations, communicating results, and helping troubleshoot packaging material or performance issues.
6. Work as part of the R&D team with Product Development, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Marketing, external manufacturers, and packaging suppliers to support packaging project execution.
7. Support packaging cost savings, sustainability, source reduction, and material optimization initiatives by gathering data, testing alternatives, and documenting recommendations.

What We Offer to Employees

Phenomenal Benefits: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, 401(k) with company contributions, a generous time off program, life and disability insurance, adoption assistance, a scholarship program for children of employees, and an employee assistance program for you and your family.

Competitive Compensation: The expected base pay range for this role is between $80,000-$87,000 annually, although a final salary offer is dependent on the candidate's experience level and skill set.

We're Looking for Someone With:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field
• 1-3 years of packaging development, packaging engineering, or manufacturing support experience; food, CPG, or regulated manufacturing experience preferred. Internship or co-op experience may be considered.
• Foundational knowledge of packaging materials and substrates including flexible films, rigid and flexible plastic, paperboard, corrugated, labels, and related food packaging components.
• Basic understanding of package conversion processes, packaging equipment interactions, and package graphics and printing processes.
• Familiarity with food-contact packaging considerations, GMPs, SQF requirements, and packaging quality requirements preferred.
• Familiarity with packaging testing such as seal integrity, barrier properties, compression, palletization, distribution, and shelf-life support testing; ASTM or ISTA exposure preferred.
• Basic project management experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; experience with specification databases, PLM, ERP, CAD, or palletization software preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
• Ideal candidates are located near our Blackfoot, Idaho facility, but a fully remote role may be considered for applicants living in metro areas within easy traveling distance to southeast Idaho, such as Boise or Salt Lake City.

What BAF is Like

As a relatively flat organization, you have a voice from your first day, along with opportunities to explore, learn, and develop new skills with challenging and rewarding work. We're focused on your success, both professionally and personally, and we are committed to offering competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. We are a family-owned, family-friendly company that empowers and supports our employees. We live out our company values and expect all team members to do the same.

You'll Love Working Here if You:

• Love what you do, and it shows. Our employees are passionate about what they do and enjoy challenging work.
• Are knowledgeable and confident, but never boastful. While we are proud of our company, our team and the products we create, we are humble and down-to-earth at our core.
• Are guided by a deep belief in integrity & personal values. This is a part of our employees' personal value systems as much as it is the organization's.
• Hold yourself and others accountable, while always maintaining dignity and respect for yourself and those around you.
• Believe in professional development for ourselves, as well as support the development of others.

At BAF, we are an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and strive to create a supportive and inclusive community of individuals committed to helping each other and our company thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.