Senior Packaging Engineer - Stewardship

We are looking for a Senior Packaging Engineer to join our R&D team in either of our corporate locations -Omaha, Nebraska or Chicago, Illinois.

As the Senior Packaging Engineer, reporting to the Director of Packaging Stewardship, you will lead the development of tools, systems, and reporting that advance Conagra’s packaging sustainability strategy. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with State Extended Producer Responsibility laws while shaping the future of packaging across our diverse portfolio. From hands-on testing in our labs to representing Conagra with external partners, you will be at the forefront of innovation and stewardship.

our Impact

• Design and maintain tools and systems that support Conagra’s goals to design for recyclability, reduce virgin plastic use, and support end-of-life infrastructure.

• Lead cross-functional efforts to build data analytics and project tracking tools that categorize packaging against stewardship needs and ensure compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility targets.

• Interpret evolving regulatory requirements and translate them into actionable, state-specific compliance plans for Conagra’s packaging portfolio.

• Prepare and submit documentation to Producer Responsibility Organizations and regulatory agencies, including exemption and reimbursement requests.

• Analyze eco-modulation factors to understand their impact on packaging fees and portfolio strategy.

• Lead complex technical projects focused on sustainable packaging and serve as a subject matter expert to educate and mentor packaging staff.

• Represent Conagra in external industry groups and support submissions to standards organizations such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers and How2Recycle.

• Maintain strong communication with Operations, Brand Management, and Procurement to ensure alignment and accountability.

• Coordinate and execute experiments and plant trials, preparing technical reports with minimal supervision.

• Develop and issue technical specifications and apply packaging principles to design for recyclability.

• Build strong relationships with key suppliers and mentor associate engineers.

• Contribute to strategic planning, particularly in relation to Extended Producer Responsibility fee impacts and budget considerations.

• Maintain a detailed understanding of requirements from the regulator and producer responsibility organization (PRO) as the EPR Laws are started, and as they change year-over-year, translating and modeling this understanding into state-specific compliance plans for the Conagra portfolio.

Your Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Regulatory Affairs for Packaging, or a related field required

• 5+ years of experience in the packaging industry, preferably in consumer packaged goods.

• Strong understanding of packaging materials, capabilities, and equipment.

• Knowledge of government regulatory requirements related to food and packaging.

• Excellent data analysis and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to senior leadership.

• Self-driven, curious, and comfortable navigating ambiguity over long timelines.

• Thorough understanding of physical and structural package testing procedures.

• Advanced analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.

• Proven team-building skills with a focus on mentoring and coaching.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel; experience with data visualization software is a plus.

• Travel may be up to 40% depending on business needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 40+ pounds at times

• Ability to stand continuously for up to 4 hours.

• Ability to operate and move freely around manufacturing equipment.

• Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended workdays including loud noise, heat, cold, wet and slippery conditions and exposure to all food allergens.

You will be onsite 4 days a week.

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Compensation: 

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and w