Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

Location: 30 Gauthier Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452 Shift & Schedule: This is a full-time position on our 1st shift, working 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Flexibility to provide additional coverage outside of scheduled hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required as needed.

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing packaging systems, equipment, and processes that support safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations. This role serves as the site subject matter expert for packaging technologies and works closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, Commercialization, and Supply Chain teams to improve packaging performance, reliability, and throughput.

The Packaging Engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives, supports capital projects, drives equipment and process optimization, and ensures packaging systems meet safety, quality, operational, and financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging equipment, processes, and system performance using Lean Manufacturing and TPM methodologies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercialization, Engineering, and Distribution to improve packaging operations.
• Develop and implement technical solutions that improve packaging efficiency, equipment reliability, product quality, and operational performance.
• Support packaging line design, equipment installation, startup, validation, and optimization for new products and capital projects.
• Analyze packaging equipment and process performance through data collection, KPI development, and performance monitoring tools.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement projects that increase capacity, reduce waste, improve OEE, and lower operating costs.
• Troubleshoot packaging equipment and process issues while identifying sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with Training and Development to create training materials and provide coaching on packaging equipment, processes, and best practices.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure packaging systems and standardized work are operating as designed.
• Provide technical support to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams as needed.
• Partner with corporate engineering and continuous improvement teams to implement and share best practices across manufacturing locations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Report food safety, quality, or regulatory concerns to leadership with authority to initiate corrective actions.

Competencies

Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, manufacturing processes, automation, and process optimization. Experience with project management, equipment troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies. Ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships. Proficient with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems; experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently while contributing to team success. Comfortable delivering training and presenting technical information to diverse audiences. Willingness to travel occasionally as business needs require.

Total Rewards

Targeted annual compensation range of $90,000-$115,000 This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable): Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Disability Coverage Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave) 401(k) with company match Tuition Reimbursement Mileage Reimbursement Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; packaging, food and beverage, consumer products, or high-speed production experience preferred. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred. Experience with Power BI, Generating Dashboards, Linking data from disparate data sources is preferred.

Company Overview

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott's®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet's, L'OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet. We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that's proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?