Packaging Engineer-Food & Beverage

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Costco Membership Reimbursement and 40% off Employee DiscountAbout San Francisco Bay Coffee:Established in 1979, San Francisco Bay Coffee is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing exceptional coffee with a strong focus on sustainability and quality. Roasting over 30 million pounds annually, San Francisco Bay Coffee believes that everyone involved in the coffee journey, from farmers to coffee drinkers, should benefit from the process. With a global network of more than 32,000 farmers, San Francisco Bay Coffee sources specialty-grade Arabica beans from around the world to offer a wide variety of products, including its signature OneCup pods and multiple bag sizes across various roast levels. Its products are available at leading retail locations, including club stores, regional and national grocery chains, and online. Since its inception, the company has prioritized eco-friendly farming and responsible sourcing, investing directly in the communities it partners with to preserve tradition, uplift livelihoods, and maintain its reputation for quality and expertise in the coffee industry.Job Summary:The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing packaging solutions for roasted, ground and flavored coffee products in multiple package formats to ensure quality, freshness, and sustainability. This role involves working closely with Marketing, R&D, and Operations including production, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to design packaging solutions, solve technical packaging issues, improve packaging processes, reduce costs, and maintain compliance with food safety standards. Additionally, the role will lead and guide the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program across all participating states ensuring compliance at the lowest possible costs.Responsibilities:Packaging Design, Development and TestingDevelop innovative packaging solutions that preserve coffee freshness and meet brand standardsDesign package structures for various package types including flexible films, cartons, cases, pallets and shippersSelect appropriate materials and technologies for coffee packaging (bags, boxes, labels etc)Conduct package testing including ship tests to validate integrity and performance of package solutionsCreate, manage and maintain packaging specifications including materials, dimensions, die lines and performance measuresDevelop and evolve packaging program to comply with various EPR state lawsSupplier and External Partner ManagementDevelop technical and operational relationships with material and package suppliersWork with suppliers' R&D, technical and operational departments to develop and implement solutions to packaging issuesWork with internal procurement, operations and suppliers on cost savings initiativesTrack advancements in packaging/material technologies to provide innovative solutionsProcess OptimizationImprove packaging line efficiency and reduce waste.Implement automation and ergonomic solutions to enhance productivityTroubleshoot and identify root causes of packing, machinery, and efficiency issues, implementing long term corrective actionsQuality and ComplianceEnsure packaging meets food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA) and sustainability goalsConduct packaging testing for durability, shelf life, and barrier propertiesCost ManagementAnalyze packaging costs and identify opportunities for savings without compromising qualityCross Functional CollaborationWork with marketing on packaging aesthetics and brandingWork with R&D to support new product development Presenting technical informationProject ManagementCoordinate with supply chain for material sourcing and innovationEnsures compliance of company policies, procedures, and objectives regarding processes, initiatives, and projectsOther duties may be assignedComply with all company policies and procedures, demonstrating a strong commitment to Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in support of product integrity, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.Educational Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fieldStrong knowledge of Food Safety RegulationsEstablished project management skills5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in food or beverage industry.Knowledge of packaging materials (films, laminates, corrugated) and machineryFamiliarity with sustainability practices and food safety standardsFamiliarity with EPR compliance across various statesStrong problem-solving and project management skillsExperience Requirements:Experience with coffee packaging technologies (degassing valves, vacuum sealing0Proficiency in CAD software and packaging simulation toolsUnderstanding of automation and robotics in packaging linesKnowledge of distribution channels and designing to customer requirementsExperience in strategic planning and executionKnowledge of contracting, negotiating and change managementTravel up to 10%System engineeringManufacturing methods and proceduresManufacturing environments experience a mustDeep understanding of packaging materials and systemsWillingness to work flexible scheduleAbility to motivate teams to produce quality work and simultaneously manage several projectsHardware specifications Manufacturing qualityLocation: Lincoln, CA (Onsite)EEO StatementAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.Fair Chance ActSan Francisco Bay Coffee will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if San Francisco Bay Coffee is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department webpage.