Associate Packaging Engineer

Position Title: Associate Packaging Engineer
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Position Location: Oakbrook Terrace
Grade: Grade 04
Requisition ID: 34552
About the role
The Associate Packaging Engineer will support the development, testing, and implementation of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for frozen food products. This role involves working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and marketing, to deliver cost-effective and high-quality packaging that meets safety, performance, and regulatory standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Packaging Development :

• Assist in the design and development of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for frozen food products.
• Optimize packaging materials and formats for functionality, cost, and sustainability.
• Conduct packaging testing to ensure compliance with performance standards, including product protection, shelf life, and functionality under frozen storage conditions.

2. Spec Management and Technical Support :

• Support business continuity
• Work closely with suppliers to source and test materials, ensuring alignment with company specifications.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues on production lines and propose effective solutions.
• Provide support during packaging line trials and scale-up activities.
• Support business continuity within the spec management systems.

3. Sustainability Initiatives :

• Contribute to the development of sustainable packaging solutions to meet corporate and environmental goals.
• Research and recommend innovative materials and technologies for frozen food packaging.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration :

• Partner with internal teams such as R&D, procurement, supply chain, and marketing teams to align packaging development with product and brand objectives.
• Support project management by tracking timelines, budgets, and deliverables related to packaging initiatives.

And all other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no direct reports. Interacts with others using project management and managing by influence skills.
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in packaging development, preferably in the food or consumer goods industry.
• Knowledge of packaging materials (e.g., plastics, paperboard, films) and their performance under frozen conditions.
• Familiarity with packaging testing methods, equipment, and standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier visits, production trials, or training.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Understanding of production line equipment and processes.

About McCain.
At McCain, we're feeding the world: from French fries to cakes, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring our core values-Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality-shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain!
Why join the McCain family. • Your Life - we're here to help you fulfil your potential, flourish, and thrive in work and life. • Your Success - work alongside passionate individuals who are committed to supporting your career ambitions, drive, and success. • Your Impact - we want you to make a meaningful, lasting impact for you, for your colleagues, and for the business.
McCain is a place where you can grow from the ground up, so join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain.
Leadership Principles.
Our principles, each with related practices, guide our actions across the organization. Together, they address how McCain interacts with our customers and employees, and how we work as individuals and collectively to find success. While each role adheres to the Leadership Principles, individual roles may focus more on a specific principle or principles.
We are customer obsessed. Customers are our starting point. By understanding their needs and leveraging data and consumer insights, we drive mutual success.
We think big and plan ahead. Through ambition, curiosity, and smart risks, we can accomplish goals, refine processes, and innovate to scale success.
We bring out the best in our people. We create safe spaces for our people so that trust and empowerment come naturally. Inclusion is about listening first, showing humility, and working together.
We act like owners. Together, we clear obstacles and do the work that makes us all successful and proud to be part of McCain
The McCain experience.
We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually-your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we're better together.
Compensation Package : $67,200.00 - $89,600.00 USD annually
The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education/training, and other organizational needs.
Benefits : At McCain, we're on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and wellbeing at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person's needs are unique and ensure our benefits & wellbeing programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support including medical, family and bereavement. Wellbeing programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned to country, provincial and state governing plans and can vary by work level, location and nature of the role. Additional benefit details available during the application process.
Your well-being matters to us, and we're here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work - and at home.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Privacy Policy
Job Family: Research & Development
Division: Global Research and Development
Department: Packaging NA
Location(s): US - United States of America : Illinois : Oakbrook Terrace
Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.