Sr. Packaging Engineer
About this role
Work Location: Orangeburg
Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.
Want to make an impact?
We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer to play a critical role in the planning, design, and start-up of a new greenfield manufacturing facility. This position will lead packaging development from early concept through commercial launch, ensuring packaging solutions are scalable, sustainable, compliant, and ready for high-volume production.
The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, has hands-on experience launching new sites or production lines, and can bridge strategic design with factory-floor execution.
Role will be based in South Carolina. Individual should be willing to travel up to 20% of the time
Ways you will make a difference
- Lead packaging engineering activities for a new manufacturing site, from early-phase design through start-up, ramp-up and continued operational improvement
- Define packaging system requirements aligned with manufacturing strategy, supply chain, quality, and commercialization timelines
- Partner with Operations and Facilities on line layout, ergonomics, and throughput optimization
- Assist Project Engineering team to evaluate and select packaging equipment, automation, and tooling
- Help facilitate FATs, SATs, commissioning, and qualification of new packaging lines
- Troubleshoot startup issues and drive rapid stabilization post-launch Design and industrialize primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
- Ensure packaging meets product protection, regulatory, sustainability, and cost objectives
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to translate requirements into manufacturable solutions
- Approve packaging specifications, drawings, and change documentation
- Serve as packaging engineering lead across Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external suppliers
- Support risk assessments, validation, and quality readiness activities
- Lead and support continuous improvement efforts to drive best in class performance
- Integrate sustainability considerations (material reduction, recyclability, waste reduction) into packaging designs
- Ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines
- Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives post-launch
Skills that will make you successful
- Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, automation, and material specifications
- Experience working directly on the manufacturing floor during installation, qualification and startup
- Proficiency with packaging specifications, and technical documentation
- Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Strength in both oral and written presentation skills are a prerequisite to success
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- General knowledge of G.M.P.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
Experiences that will support your success
- BS degree in Packaging Engineering/Science discipline
- 5+ years’ experience
- Experience with TOPS or CAPE Shipper/Palletization software
- Experience with SAP and skilled with Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, Access)
What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $88,155 - $123,418 annually.
Company at a glance
For generations, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers. Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S. with global sales in more than 60 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,400 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products. A career at Ferrara means you’re an integral member of a wider community. Ferrara Group is a part of a global family of distinct yet connected companies united by a passion for quality, innovation and delight.
In the U.S., more than 91 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co has earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s.
A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago, with a network of more than 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.
Top Benefits
- Health benefits
- Financial wellness programs
- Paid time off
- Annual bonus
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