Innovation Engineer

Innovation Engineer – Sustainable Fiber Packaging Innovation

Are you passionate about developing sustainable packaging solutions that make a real impact? Do you enjoy solving complex material challenges, working with innovative technologies, and transforming ideas into commercially successful products? Join ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging, where you'll help shape the future of recyclable and compostable fiber-based packaging solutions.

At ProAmpac, we're more than a packaging company. We're an innovative team committed to sustainability, continuous improvement, and helping our employees grow their careers.

Our Core Values:

• Integrity
• Intensity
• Innovation
• Involvement
• Impact

Compensation: $85,000 - $110,000 base salary

About the Role

We are seeking an Innovation Engineer to support the development and commercialization of sustainable flexible fiber-based packaging solutions. This role combines hands-on product development, laboratory evaluation, quality testing, manufacturing scale-up, and customer collaboration to bring innovative packaging technologies from concept to commercialization.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in fiber science, papermaking, paper technology, packaging materials, or related engineering disciplines. You'll work closely with R&D, manufacturing, quality, commercial teams, customers, and suppliers to develop next-generation recyclable and compostable packaging solutions that advance ProAmpac's sustainability initiatives.

This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH or Rochester, NY. Travel is estimated at approximately 15-20% and may include customer visits, supplier meetings, manufacturing trials, and trade shows.

What You'll Do

• Research, develop, and implement innovative sustainable fiber-based packaging platforms and technologies.
• Support new product development initiatives from laboratory concept through manufacturing scale-up and commercialization.
• Collaborate with global and national brands to develop innovative packaging solutions and identify emerging technologies.
• Partner with paper mills, suppliers, product development teams, manufacturing, quality, sales, and customers to evaluate materials, processes, and
• packaging performance.
• Apply fiber science and papermaking knowledge to improve paper performance, strength, and functionality.
• Support the qualification and validation of substrates, development materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop and evaluate barrier coatings and aqueous-based heat seal technologies for paper packaging applications.
• Conduct laboratory testing, product evaluations, manufacturing trials, and customer trials.
• Provide technical support and root-cause analysis for product quality and manufacturing challenges.
• Utilize project management and cost analysis tools to drive innovation projects and support commercialization efforts.
• Support customer innovation sessions and provide technical expertise during product development discussions.
• Validate materials and processes in accordance with FDA standards and applicable industry requirements.

What You Bring

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Fiber Science, Materials Science, Packaging Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of fiber technologies, papermaking processes, paper performance, and material development.
• Experience supporting product development projects from concept through manufacturing implementation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, material qualification, and scale-up methodologies.
• Experience with FDA requirements, ISO standards, or related quality systems.
• Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, technical personnel, and executive leadership.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently assess technical challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative innovation environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in fiber-based flexible packaging, paper packaging, or sustainable packaging development.
• Experience working with paper mills or within the paper manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of fiber types, additives, and paper chemistry.
• Experience with aqueous-based heat seal coatings or barrier coating technologies.
• Packaging industry experience supporting commercialization and manufacturing scale-up efforts.
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Fiber Science, Paper Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Statistics and Statistical Process Control (SPC) training.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Exposure to cutting-edge sustainable packaging innovation initiatives
• Collaboration with industry-leading experts, paper mills, suppliers, and global brands
• A culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement

If you're excited about applying your expertise in fiber science, packaging innovation, and product development to help create the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of packaging with ProAmpac.

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Experience

• 2 year(s): Experience with FDA requirements and ISO standards.

Education

• Masters or better

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.