Lead Application Engineer – Flexible Packaging | Remote USA | Travel

Lead Application Engineer – Flexible Packaging

📍 Location: Fully Remote (USA)
✈️ Travel: Up to 60% (primarily US, occasional Canada/Mexico)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $105,000 – $125,000

• Full benefits package

• Bonus eligible

• Relocation assistance possible for ideal candidates

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental & vision coverage starting Day 1

• 401(k) with company match

• Employee stock purchase program

• Generous PTO & volunteer time

• Tuition reimbursement & career development programs

• Paid parental leave & family support benefits

• Flexible work policies and wellness programs

🚀 Overview

A global leader in adhesive technologies and functional coatings is seeking a Lead Application Engineer – Flexible Packaging to provide technical leadership and customer-facing engineering support across the flexible packaging market.

This role serves as a trusted technical advisor supporting laminating adhesives and coatings technologies, helping customers optimize manufacturing processes, troubleshoot issues, implement new technologies, and drive innovation initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in flexible packaging, coatings, laminating adhesives, or converting processes with excellent customer engagement and project management capabilities.

🔧 Key Responsibilities

Technical Customer Support

• Provide technical recommendations, troubleshooting, and application support for customers

• Conduct onsite technical visits including:

• Product demonstrations

• Audits

• Process troubleshooting

• Equipment optimization

• Support complaint investigations and root cause analysis

• Document activities and findings within CRM and laboratory systems

Flexible Packaging & Coating Expertise

• Support laminating adhesives and coatings applications

• Provide expertise in:

• Coating technologies

• Converting processes

• Flexible packaging applications

• Mechanical/application equipment optimization

• Assist customers in improving adhesive-related manufacturing processes

Project Management & Innovation

• Lead customer-focused technical projects from concept through implementation

• Scope and justify customer projects and technical initiatives

• Collaborate cross-functionally with:

• Product Development

• Manufacturing

• Supply Chain

• Sales & Marketing

• Support innovation pipeline initiatives and new technology adoption

Training & Relationship Management

• Deliver technical training to customers and field sales teams

• Serve as the technical liaison between customers and internal teams

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across all organizational levels

• Promote best practices and share technical learnings across accounts

Laboratory & Technical Analysis

• Coordinate and prioritize laboratory testing activities

• Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommendations

• Analyze complex technical and application-related problems

• Support troubleshooting and process optimization initiatives

✅ Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in:

• Chemical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Materials Engineering

• Chemistry

• Or related technical field

• 5–10+ years of:

• Technical service

• Application engineering

• Flexible packaging industry experience

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills

⭐ Highly Preferred Experience

• Flexible packaging industry experience

• Hands-on coating and/or converting expertise

• Experience with:

• Laminating adhesives

• Coatings technologies

• Application equipment

• Converting machinery

• Customer-facing technical service experience

🛠️ Core Skills

✔ Flexible Packaging
✔ Laminating Adhesives
✔ Coatings Technology
✔ Application Engineering
✔ Technical Service
✔ Troubleshooting
✔ Process Optimization
✔ Converting Equipment
✔ Project Management
✔ Customer Training
✔ Root Cause Analysis
✔ Industrial Manufacturing

🎯 Ideal Candidate

• Hands-on technical expert within flexible packaging and coatings environments

• Strong customer-facing engineer comfortable working onsite with manufacturing teams

• Excellent communicator capable of interacting with operators through executive leadership

• Organized and proactive project leader with strong analytical capabilities

• Comfortable balancing technical problem solving with commercial support responsibilities

🌟 Why Join

• Join a globally recognized innovation leader in adhesives and coatings technology

• Fully remote role with significant customer engagement and technical ownership

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge flexible packaging solutions

• Strong career growth and international development opportunities

• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence

📋 Additional Details

• Fully remote position

• Heavy customer interaction and travel-based role

• Travel up to ~60% with advance planning and support for work-life balance

• Candidates must be comfortable working independently and managing multiple customer projects simultaneously

Industrial Engineer III (Packaging) – Manufacturing, SAP, Lean, Material Flow | Eagle, WI

Industrial Engineer III – Packaging

📍 Location: Eagle, Wisconsin (Onsite)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree required (Engineering or Industrial Technology)
📈 Experience Level: Mid-Senior
🕒 Experience Required: 5–7+ years
🌎 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Not available
✈️ Travel: ~10% (occasional regional travel)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer III (Packaging) to lead the development and optimization of supplier packaging and material presentation strategies for manufacturing operations.

This role is critical in ensuring efficient material flow, cost optimization, and protection of components during transit, working closely with cross-functional teams across engineering, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Strategy & Optimization

• Develop and implement supplier packaging standards and policies

• Design packaging solutions to protect materials during transport and handling

• Create packaging models supporting:

• Plan for Every Part (PFEP)

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

• Establish monitoring systems to ensure supplier compliance

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs

• Optimize material flow, layouts, and processes to improve operational performance

• Implement lean principles and demand-driven strategies (flexibility, speed, responsiveness)

• Identify and drive innovative solutions to improve business outcomes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing teams

• Work closely with shop floor personnel to improve processes and systems

• Support new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring correct packaging specifications

Process Development & Documentation

• Develop and validate:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Work Instructions

• Test methods and capability studies

• Provide training and guidance on packaging processes

• Ensure proper material preservation standards for service requirements

Supplier & Material Flow Management

• Travel to supplier locations to assess inbound material handling and packaging needs

• Design processes for inter-facility material transfers (e.g., sheet metal components)

• Ensure materials arrive production-ready (paint, storage, assembly, etc.)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering environments

• Experience with process improvement and material flow optimization

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (SAP / SAP Business Objects)

• Proficiency in CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ProE)

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles

• Experience in high-mix/low-volume and high-volume/low-mix environments

• Background in project management (certification preferred)

• Experience in training, coaching, or mentoring teams

• Strong statistical analysis skills

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on industrial/packaging engineer who:

• Has strong experience in material handling and supplier packaging design

• Understands manufacturing environments and inter-facility logistics

• Can develop practical, scalable packaging solutions (not consumer packaging)

• Is comfortable working both strategically and on the shop floor

• Has experience creating processes to protect industrial components in transit

• Thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Physical Requirements

• Regular standing, walking, and use of hands

• Occasional lifting (25–50 lbs)

• Periods of computer-based work

• Occasional bending, reaching, and shop floor activity

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Health, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement plans

• Paid time off

• Additional employee benefits

Screening Questions

• Can you describe your experience with material planning, packaging, and delivery workflows?

• Have you created work instructions or SOPs for packaging or manufacturing processes?

• What experience do you have with ERP systems (e.g., SAP)?

• How have you collaborated with production teams to improve processes?

• What is driving your interest in a new opportunity?

Automation Control Engineer | Richmond, VA | Food Manufacturing | 2nd Shift

⚙️ Automation Control Engineer

📍 Location: Richmond, Virginia (On-site, Second/Split Shift: 7 PM – 3 AM)
🏭 Industry: Food & Beverages / Manufacturing
🎓 Education: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, or related field (preferred)
💼 Experience Level: Mid–Senior (5+ years)
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation: Not available
💰 Compensation: $83,800 – $115,225 base salary + bonus eligibility + full benefits
🕓 Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

🌟 The Opportunity

Join a global leader in food and snack manufacturing as an Automation Control Engineer — a critical role driving reliability, efficiency, and innovation within a fast-paced production environment.

You’ll take ownership of automation systems, PLCs, and instrumentation, ensuring seamless operations and minimal downtime. Working on the second shift, you’ll support high-speed packaging lines and advanced control systems while leading troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting and enjoys solving complex automation challenges.

🧭 Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Provide hands-on support for routine maintenance, repair, and calibration of automation equipment, PLCs, and control systems.

• Diagnose complex electrical, mechanical, and programming issues quickly to reduce downtime and boost productivity.

• Collaborate with electricians and cross-functional teams to maintain system reliability and performance.

System Optimization

• Analyze production data and identify opportunities to optimize automation and control strategies.

• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

• Contribute to projects that modernize and standardize automation systems across production lines.

Programming & Configuration

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems, primarily Allen-Bradley platforms.

• Configure and maintain VFDs, SCADA systems, and motor control systems.

• Ensure system integration aligns with company standards, cybersecurity policies, and operational requirements.

Preventive Maintenance & Documentation

• Execute preventive maintenance programs to prevent unplanned equipment failures.

• Maintain accurate documentation for all maintenance activities, modifications, and performance reports.

• Support audits and reporting with detailed technical insights and system data.

Leadership & Training

• Provide training and mentorship to operators, technicians, and electricians on control systems.

• Promote safety, knowledge sharing, and adherence to maintenance best practices.

🎓 Education & Experience

Required

✅ Minimum 5 years of experience in automation, controls, or electrical maintenance within manufacturing.
✅ Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (programming, troubleshooting, maintenance).
✅ Solid understanding of HMI, SCADA, VFDs, and industrial networks.
✅ Experience with high-speed packaging or food processing environments.
✅ Proven ability to analyze and solve complex control system problems.

Preferred

⭐ Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, or related field.
⭐ Familiarity with SAP – PM, work orders, and asset management.
⭐ Experience using Putty and Cisco Network Switches.
⭐ Knowledge of basic electronics and electrical theory.
⭐ Strong communication skills and ability to train others effectively.

💡 Core Competencies

• Analytical problem-solver with a proactive mindset.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams.

• Capable of leading initiatives with minimal supervision.

• Safety-focused and committed to continuous improvement.

⚙️ Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb steps, and work at heights using ladders or lifts.

• Work in environments with varying temperatures.

• Comfortable working second/split shift: 7 PM – 3 AM, Monday to Friday.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

💵 Base Salary: $83,800 – $115,225 (commensurate with experience)
🎯 Bonus: Performance-based incentive program
💎 Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement savings plans

• Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs

• Educational and wellness support initiatives

🧩 Candidate Snapshot

• Experience: 5+ years in automation and controls engineering

• Industry: Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or high-speed manufacturing

• Key Skills: Allen-Bradley PLCs | SCADA | HMIs | VFDs | Troubleshooting | SAP PM

• Shift: 7 PM – 3 AM (on-site)

• Travel: None

🚀 Ready to power up innovation?
Join a world-class manufacturer that values technical excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Lead automation excellence on cutting-edge production lines that shape the future of snacking.

Senior R&D Engineer – Thermoformed Packaging | Franklin Park, IL | $140K–$165K + Full Relocation

Sr. R&D Engineer – Thermoformed Packaging

📍 Location: Franklin Park, IL, USA (Onsite)
💼 Employment Type: Full-time
💰 Base Salary: $140,000 – $165,000
🎁 Signing Bonus: Negotiable
🚚 Relocation Package: Full
🌍 Travel: Up to 40% (mostly domestic)
🛑 Visa Sponsorship: Not available

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to join our Thermoformed Packaging division. Reporting to the R&D Director, you will play a key role in developing, designing, and qualifying new thermoplastic materials and processes for consumer-based packaging applications. This position requires deep expertise in plastics extrusion, thermoforming, and material processing to drive innovation, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert in plastic materials processing for consumer packaging.

• Lead R&D projects from concept to commercialization, with a focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

• Provide recommendations on manufacturing equipment to support current and future business needs.

• Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams, OEMs, and suppliers to solve complex technical challenges.

• Drive growth initiatives by identifying new technologies and opportunities for improved productivity and capacity.

• Originate and champion new ideas aligned with the company’s innovation and technology strategy.

• Lead capital projects and technical integrations to enhance product performance.

• Promote a positive, safe, and collaborative work environment.

• Ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures.

Qualifications – Must Haves

• B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science.

• 7+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing and processing (extrusion, thermoforming, tooling).

• Strong working knowledge of PET, PP, HIPS, and PE resins plus additives.

• Experience in coatings and lamination on rigid sheet is a plus.

• Proven results leading capital projects in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers.

• Strong problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and project leadership.

Preferred Traits:

• Background in consumer-based food packaging.

• Results-driven, self-starter with a positive attitude.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective written and verbal communicator.

• Inquisitive and innovative, with a passion for new technologies.

Interview Process

1. 30-min recruiter screen with Internal recruiter.

2. 1-hour video interview with hiring manager.

3. 1-hour panel interview with the team, potential onsite visit.

Company Culture & Perks

We design and manufacture sustainable packaging solutions that serve the food, retail, and medical sectors. From snacks and condiments to healthcare items and pet food, our packaging protects products while promoting a healthier planet.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Equity Opportunities

• Work From Home Flexibility

• Additional Perks (e.g., relocation, growth opportunities)