Senior Packaging Technology Engineer

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk ; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™ , a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry‑leading innovation. To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com. Job Purpose The Senior Packaging Technology Engineer advances and standardizes packaging across a multi‑site network, leading equipment qualification and commissioning and collaborating with OEMs to improve reliability and inform next‑gen design, while driving startups, troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, aligned systems & standards and asset care, mentoring talent, integrating advanced automation, and executing strategic initiatives; up to 50% travel. Responsibilities Advance Packaging Technology Roadmap: Define and refine equipment specifications, packaging line layouts, and mechanical standards to support long‑term strategic objectives. Lead Qualification & Commissioning Excellence: Oversee FAT/SAT activities and ensure robust IQ/OQ/PQ validation during new equipment installations, startups, and post‑overhaul execution. Enable High Performance Startups: Provide expert mechanical leadership during commissioning and transitions to operations, ensuring smooth, reliable, and compliant handoffs. Strengthen Packaging Hall Standards: Contribute to standardized layouts, ergonomics, safety elements, and quality checkpoints across all facilities. Influence Technology Through OEM Partnerships: Engage with key suppliers and OEMs to drive equipment design improvements, innovation, and advanced technology adoption. Serve as a Senior Mechanical SME: Mentor engineers and technicians, lead OEM specific training, and build mechanical capability across blow molding, filling, and downstream platforms. Support Troubleshooting & CI Deployment: Assist embedded SMEs and facility teams with problem‑solving, optimization work, and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure Network Consistency & Reliability: Align mechanical systems, processes, and standards across sites; lead structured operational handoffs and maintain high operational readiness. Drive Engineering Excellence: Develop and enforce mechanical standards, conduct design reviews and root cause analyses, and lead innovation in mechanical systems and packaging technologies. Integrate Advanced Automation: Support evaluation and onboarding of robotics, machine vision, and AI‑driven automation; ensure mechanical compatibility with MES/SCADA/IoT systems. Enhance Reliability & Asset Care: Contribute to predictive maintenance initiatives, CMMS standardization, and long‑term asset care strategies. Lead Network Wide Initiatives: Serve as a mechanical SME for overhauls, CapEx scoping and execution, and multi‑site alignment activities. Communicate & Represent Engineering: Provide clear updates to leadership, participate in cross‑functional reviews, and represent Packaging Technology in technical forums and OEM engagements. Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field. 7+ years of experience in packaging machinery, mechanical systems design, or high‑speed manufacturing environments. Expert‑level knowledge of blow molding, filling, capping, labeling, and downstream packaging platforms. Proven experience leading FAT/SAT, equipment commissioning, and mechanical qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). Strong capability in mechanical standards development, system design review, and root cause analysis. Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement, reliability enhancements, and CI methodologies (Lean/Six Sigma). Hands‑on troubleshooting expertise with complex mechanical, pneumatic, and electromechanical systems. Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers to influence equipment design and technology adoption. Working knowledge of predictive and preventive maintenance methodologies, CMMS systems, and asset care strategies. Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional technical teams. Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with capability to represent engineering in internal and external technical forums. Proficiency in English: comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing. Working Conditions Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks, and sits during completion of job responsibilities. Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. on an occasional basis. Ability to work in a fast‑paced high‑demand production facility and the ability to perform those duties. Food Safety Requirements Follow all safety standards and life‑saving rules that have been established. Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety. Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color‑coded container policy while in the Production Areas. Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system. Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system. Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected. In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required. Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one! Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance) Paid Time Off to recharge and support work‑life balance Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000) Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work‑life support Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants) Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month) Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day. Reports To: Director, Packaging Technology Travel Requirements: up to 50% Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000 Exempt/Nonexempt: exempt fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors. In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr fairlife, LLC