Principal Engineer - Packaging Equipment

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you will provide technical leadership to identify and develop strategies and projects that deliver the highest value business benefit to the company. You will work with cross functional teams to review requirements and develop optimized technical solutions that fit business needs. This is a Corporate Engineering role supporting manufacturing operations through innovation, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.A Taste of Your ResponsibilitiesIdentify, develop, rollout, and provide governance for key strategies and programs across the manufacturing platformUse subject matter expertise, third party engineering partners, and original equipment manufacturers to develop labor reducing and cost saving automation projectsStay current with industry regulations and codes related to packaging equipment system design and operations, and provide recommendations to improve programs, policies, and goalsProvide technical and economic feasibility analysis to support business initiatives that deliver competitive advantagesDevelop Front End Loading packages that are complete, clear, and reflect due diligence to ensure project success, including:Technology assessments and recommended solutions aligned to plant, company, and industry best practicesPhysical location layouts and general arrangement drawingsInfrastructure requirements and needs assessmentsEquipment acceptance criteria and support of testing and acceptance trialsEquipment and system performance criteriaIdentification of alternatives, prerequisites, risks, and opportunitiesPartner with engineering teams to establish cost, schedule, risk, and startup requirements for projectsWrite detailed functional control descriptions for unit operations and processing systemsPerform reviews of Front End Loading packages or equivalent deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and operational effectivenessDevelop rough order of magnitude estimates to provide early business case directionTroubleshoot and drive continuous improvement of existing packaging operationsLead machine design improvements and equipment modificationsConduct production plant site surveys and assessments, and provide support to sites as neededIngredients Required for Your SuccessBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or Packaging Engineering7 + years of experience in food manufacturing with packaging system designExperience leading teams and solving complex technical challengesSubject matter expertise in one or more areas of food production line packaging equipmentExperience with machine design and working in a United States Department of Agriculture or Food and Drug Administration regulated manufacturing environmentDemonstrated success developing and implementing automation and robotic solutionsExperience in project engineering and project executionKnowledge of continuous improvement applications within engineering designExperience translating project requirements into technical solutions through sound engineering principlesStrong experience in packaging equipment engineering and practical applicationThis position is located in Omaha NE, Chicago IL, select field locations or remote locations east of Denver, CO and within reasonable proximity (50 miles) to a major airportWillingness to travel up to 50 percent to support plant operations#LI-Remote#LI-PM2#LI-MSLCompensation Pay Range:$109,000-$159,000The 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.Anticipated Close Date September 30, 2026Our BenefitsWe care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursementWealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase planGrowth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursementBalance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunitiesOur CompanyAt Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi-Wip.Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.SummaryLocation: 9 Omaha NE; Chicago, IllinoisType: Full time