Associate Packaging Engineer

Associate Packaging EngineerLocation: Richland, WAAn Associate Packaging Engineer at Lamb Weston helps support identification, development and commercialization of new, improved, innovative packaging while supporting cross-functional project tasks. This position leads simple to complex projects and supports technical initiatives as needed. It also acts as a key packaging resource for the stage gate process and works both independently and as part of a team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working directly with packaging suppliers, material, and technology to help drive innovation and new business. This candidate will also drive projects focused on the interface between the packages we design and operational efficiency in our manufacturing plants and throughout our distribution networks.Position Responsibilities:Support the innovation stage-gate process on assigned packaging projects from ideation through commercialization.Simultaneous support and lead high complex technical projects.Develop ideas for savings, innovation, plant efficiency and quality improvements that are relevant to the business.Independently plan, execute, and analyze plant/pilot plant/lab trials.Develop and manage technical packaging specifications.Establish strong working relationship with key suppliers.Utilize Dynamics Lab to qualify material and perform prototyping.Key Functional Competencies:Value Chain, Financial & Business Acumen Ability to strategically seek out, analyze, and take action on business opportunities across the entire value chain (product, packaging, and process), to optimize Lamb Weston's growth. Foundation - Understands basic company financial concepts and applies knowledge of adjacent functional areas to produce positive outcomesInnovative and Strategic Thinking - Proactively generates & evaluates ideas, concepts and opportunities in creative ways (even with imperfect information) to deliver enterprise level thinking, vision & direction Foundation - Builds on the ideas of others.Product & Manufacturing Knowledge - Leverages knowledge of product, packaging, supply chain, market and customer to influence decisions and drive a competitive advantage. Foundation - Understands the basics of products and associated production processesConcept Creation & Development - Translates diverse insights to build and scale innovative packages and products to meet the needs of consumers and customers. Foundation - Builds ideas.Project Management - Develops, implements, facilitates and manages comprehensive project plans that deliver objectives. Foundation - Organize work and develop plans within functional area to meet business needs.Work Process Discipline and Execution - Develops, documents, implements and maintains standardized processes, procedures and programs. Foundation - Knows and follows basic work processesFood Science - Knowledge of food science principles (including chemistry, engineering, microbiology & sensory) to design, develop and enhance products from ideation to commercialization. Foundation - Understands and applies food science.Packaging Engineering - Understands and uses knowledge of material sciences, manufacturing and equipment capabilities to design, develop and enhance packaging from ideation to commercialization of LW products. Advanced - Applies packaging principles, uses and technology to develop innovative solutionsBasic & Preferred QualificationsBachelor's Degree Required, Packaging or Engineering preferred.Minimum of 1 co-op or internship, CPG preferred.OR- 1+ years' work experience in packaging industry, CPG preferred.Strong understanding of packaging materials, capabilities, and equipment.Thorough understanding of physical and structural package testing procedures.Exposure to 2-D/3-D design programs (AutoCAD, ArtiosCad, and/or SolidWorks) preferred.Ensures technical and performance needs are met for all projectsCollaborates with cross-functional teams to implement deliverablesAbility to identify packaging needs and drive continuous improvement.Understands packaging processes and technology.Applies knowledge of polymer science and engineering.Understands basic packaging equipment and performance principals.Understands the functionality of packaging and its intention for the marketplace.Ability to travel up to 25% of timeValid US Driver's license and ability to meet Company driving standards.Position Physical Requirements:Ability to lift 25 to 50 lbs.Ability to stand for 75% of a dayAbility to sit for 4 hours at a timeIndustry-Competitive BenefitsHealth Insurance Benefits - Medical, Dental, VisionFlexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement AccountsWell-being programs including companywide events and a wellness incentive programPaid Time OffFinancial Wellness – Industry leading 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, Financial Planning Services, Employee Stock purchase program, and Health Savings Accounts, Life and Accident insuranceFamily-Friendly Employee eventsEmployee Assistance Program services – mental health and other concierge type servicesBenefits may vary based on location, job role/level, job status, and/or the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreements.Anticipated Close Date: 10/10/2026Pay TransparencyIn compliance with applicable state and local laws, Lamb Weston has opted to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation is specific to this position and takes into account a number of variables. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range posted based on various factors, including, but not limited to, job duties, experience and expertise. A candidate's work location could also impact the actual compensation being outside of the range to reflect local cost of labor. A reasonable annual estimate of the range for this role is listed below.Pay Rate or Range: $64,900.00 - $97,360.00Equal Opportunity EmployerLamb Weston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law