Principal Packaging Engineer

Position requires 3 days per week in office with two days remote* A senior technical Innovation role creating and developing new Packaging Concepts, Prototypes, and Structures with focus on delivering Sustainable Packaging Material Propositions. The role is part of the Coffee Pod Packaging Innovation & R&D team focused on designing and developing disruptive packaging innovation; delivering package innovations and driving the development and execution of new and refreshed package formats across a range of package materials and structures (cups, lids, filters, films, paperboard) used in line with our coffee beverage business unit to deliver on our brand innovation growth ambitions.

The Packaging Innovator will:Develop and commercialize differentiated new packages with the Coffee business and deliver in a method to support the values of unrivaled quality, creativity and innovation across core brands, existing pipeline, and new Innovation Platforms.Work with incumbent and new material packaging vendors to identify novel materials & packaging technologies that can deliver company objectives and multi-year brand pipelines.Collaborate with Brand, Procurement, & Supply Chain, to design consumer-centric packaging for the first and second moment of truth, while optimizing for manufacturing and distribution.Advance the business through technical excellence ensuring all aspects meet or exceed the quality and performance requirements within a managed timeline and cost objective.Be tightly connected and a key contributor to the broader Coffee Innovation, R&D Product and Process Development and Supply Chain FunctionsBe a key technical developer with thermoforming expertise in delivering our Sustainable Packaging Ambitions on Ready to Recycle, Compostable, and PCR content. Responsibilities of this role include the following:Initiate and perform technical feasibility studies on new packaging platforms delivered through ideation

Cross-Functional Project LeadershipActively participate in Marketing and Marketing Research programs, including focus groups and other consumer research formats to inform Packaging design and structures

Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills; Ability to influence cross functional teams, suppliers across multiple sites

Strong collaboration skills; ability to bring together people from different sectors and business units to ensure the requirements reflect the global needs

Ability to manage multiple competing priorities without impacting timelines

Ability to prioritize risk and quickly identify issue resolution options, pros, cons, and action plan

Contribute to Research & insights Teams to incorporate packaging requirements into plans

Provide Subject Matter Expertise for Package Development and CommercializationDefine, maintain, and update packaging specifications and protocols to assure robust manufacturing and consistent consumer experiences with our brands.Location: Burlington, MassachusettsUp to 15% travel Ensure high performance results of your team by: Fostering a culture of trust and wellbeing that prioritizes the team and values employee contributions

Driving a shared vision with clear goals and accountability, supported by regular conversations to maximize talent

Embracing diverse perspectives to foster innovation, learning from both successes and failures

Establishing a safe environment where team members are motivated, heard, and aligned with clear expectations