We are looking for a Packaging Engineer to join our R&D team in Chicago, IL!

As a Packaging Engineer on the MVP Team, you will identify cost saving opportunities for a wide range of our packaging products. The Maximizing Value and Productivity (MVP) Team is a strategic cost function of the R&D organization.

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you are an essential contributor to cost savings for Conagra’s packaging portfolio. With a focus on sustainability, you will have the opportunity to work on many different packaging formats. You will support and lead packaging-driven projects, support trials and/or start-ups, and perform hands-on package testing & prototyping in our state-of-the-art labs and pilot plants.

Conagra's R&D facilities in Omaha are state-of-the-art, including dedicated packaging spaces for ideation, design, and prototyping. Engineers have the ability perform in-house package testing and physical prototyping to bring new innovations to life utilizing our top-of-the-line equipment within our labs and other spaces.

What you'll do in this role:

• Independently lead the technical delivery of multiple standard projects.

• With guidance, support highly complex technical projects.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technology and educate packaging staff on such technology.

• Investigate and vet out cost savings ideas and pitch to cross functional and brand teams for alignment.

• Provide support to designated business groups to resolve packaging issues.

• Work directly with business partners (Brand, Finance, etc) and RQI peers (Product Development, Quality, etc) on assigned brands.

• Coordinate and execute experiments, as well as plant trials; prepare results in technical reports, both written and oral, for review with minimal supervision.

• Interpret, develop, and issue technical specifications.

• Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry.

• Participate in brainstorming and information gathering efforts for resource planning process as needed.

• Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing of new package ideas.

• Maintain strong communication with Operations, Brand Management and Procurement, updating them on projects regularly.

• Gain familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans of team.

• Be aware of project tasks and how they impact the project budget.

• Contribute as needed on cross-functional teams.

• Support technical delivery of base business and high complexity projects.

• May manage smaller projects independently.

• Participate and execute experiments in plant trials.

• Prepare and present results of technical report to supervisor, both written and oral.

• Interpret, develop, and issue technical specifications.

• Acquire working knowledge of the packaging principles and operating systems for assigned platform.

• Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry.

• Awareness of project tasks implications to budget.

• Gain familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans of team.

• Contribute as needed on cross-functional teams.

What you'll need to be successful:

• Bachelors in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science or related field.

• 3+ years work experience in packaging industry, CPG and Food preferred.

• Solid understanding of packaging materials capabilities and equipment.

• Financial understanding to optimize profitability.

• Knowledge of test methodology.

• Strong ability to collaborate and maintain cross-functional partnerships.

• Strong analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.

• Developing troubleshooting skills with ability to “think on your feet.”

• Understanding of business principles.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to travel up to 20 - 40% of time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible Conagra Brands, Inc. representative

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future. 

This position is usually in the office 4 days a week with remote Fridays.

Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. The company will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)! 

#LI-MH1

#LI-ONSITE

Our Benefits:

We 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 reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®.

We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

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. ​