Sr. Engineer - Packaging Innovation

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.

Consider applying here, if you want to:   

• Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.   
• Develop lasting relationships with great people.   
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.

Sr. Engineer - Packaging Innovation

The Senior Engineer – Packaging Innovation will lead the development and optimization of innovative packaging solutions, with a strong emphasis on structural design, advanced instrumentation, and performance validation. This role will drive projects from concept through demonstration & validation, ensuring that packaging solutions meet functional, aesthetic, sustainability, cost targets while aligning with customer and operational requirements.

Essential Functions

Packaging Design & Development

• Lead end-to-end package design initiatives, from concept ideation to demonstration & validation.
• Develop structural and aesthetic packaging concepts that balance functionality, consumer experience, sustainability, and manufacturability.
• Apply CAD/CAE tools to model and simulate packaging designs for process and service life performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality, Procurement, etc) to align package designs with product requirements and business objectives.

Instrumentation & Testing

• Develop and implement  quantitative approaches for performance testing, technology development and accelerate speed to market.
• Analyze test data to identify opportunities for material optimization, weight reduction, and design improvement.
• Establish and maintain standards, test protocols, and reporting systems for packaging validation.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive innovation by scouting for new processes (blowing, filling etc.), technologies, and packaging formats.
• Incorporate sustainable design principles (lightweighting, recyclability, renewable materials, circular economy).
• Partner with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and industry organizations to evaluate and integrate new packaging technologies.

Project Management

• Manage multiple packaging development projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Prepare technical documentation, design specifications, and testing reports to support decision-making and commercialization.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and interns.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 4 Years   – Experience in Packaging, manufacturing, controls, electrical, design related Engineering or Manufacturing fields
  • 4 Years  – Experience in packaging design, innovation, and testing, preferably in CPG, food & beverage, or related industries.
  • Strong expertise with CAD/CAE design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and simulation software
  • Hands-on experience with instrumentation and packaging testing equipment.
  • Proven track record of bringing packaging innovations from concept to market.
  • Knowledge of packaging regulations, industry standards, and sustainability frameworks.
  • creative thinker with ability to translate concepts into functional, manufacturable packaging.
  • proactive in identifying new technologies and materials
  • ability to balance environmental responsibility with performance and cost.
  • 2 Years  – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 6 Years– Experience in Packaging or other related Engineering or Manufacturing fields
  • 6 Years – Experience in Position
  • 4 Years  – Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of beverage products and different beverage processes (including but are not limited to: hot fill, cold fill, HTST, CSD, and low acid aseptic)
• Great understanding of the CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Verification) process

• Project management competencies - planning, budgeting, schedule tracking, vendor management, and