Sr Process Engineer - Packaging

About the role

Join Niagara Bottling, a leading beverage manufacturer built on the mission of providing high-quality affordable beverages since 1963. Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to embracing adventure, we are revolutionizing the beverage manufacturing industry while creating opportunities for Team Members to make an impact. Together, we are connected by possibility.

About the role

The Senior Process Engineer - Packaging is responsible for designing vertically integrated packaging equipment solutions across multiple formats - including PET, canning, and cartons - for the full range of Niagara's beverage products. This role also emphasizes researching emerging technologies in the packaging industry to position Niagara ahead of a rapidly evolving competitive landscape. Projects include new beverage lines, cost-saving retrofits, line efficiency improvements, new product rollouts, and other engineering initiatives driven by customer needs.

Essential Functions

• Provide technical expertise and collaborate with OEMs to design PET, canning, and aseptic packaging systems (e.g., Tetra carton, KRONES PET, KHS Canning, Container Labeling, Case Packing, Case Palletizing)
• Plan, design, and validate new packaging processes and optimize existing ones.
• Design packaging line processes to meet current packaging matrix requirements and future-proof for upcoming products.
• Research emerging technologies related to packaging formats and innovations.
• Develop capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, including ROI analysis, for new equipment and line modifications.
• Initiate RFQs and collaborate with Product Development teams to establish specifications and parameters for packaging equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors, corporate project managers, and operations to support beverage equipment installation and ensure successful commissioning.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that enhance equipment reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for chronic equipment or process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and develop business plans to capture them.
• Travel 15-20% (domestic and international).

Additional information

Note: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• 4 Years - Experience in Beverage processing or manufacturing environment
• 4 Years - Experience in Engineering Project Management
• 4 Years - Experience managing people/projects

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
• 6 Years- Experience in Beverage processing or manufacturing environment
• 6 Years - Experience Engineering Project Management
• 6 Years - Experience managing people/projects

Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of beverage packaging formats (e.g., PET, canning, aseptic cartons, paper)
• In-depth knowledge of secondary packaging formats (e.g., packers, palletizers)
• Working knowledge of packaging equipment from major OEMs (e.g., Krones, Sidel, KHS, Douglas)
• Strong understanding of the IQ/OQ/PQ process (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualification)
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for reviewing equipment drawings and line layouts
• Understanding of OEE metrics and packaging line performance optimization
• Project management competencies, including planning, budgeting, schedule tracking, vendor management, and cost controls
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff
• Ability to develop and present business cases, including ROI and CapEx justifications
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, including operations, quality, and corporate leadership
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior engineers
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings
• Ability to work independently with limited direction, as well as collaboratively in cross-functional team environments

Education

• Minimum Required:
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or other related field
• Preferred:
• Master's Degree in Engineering or other related field

Typical Compensation Range

Pay Rate Type: Salary $114,560.53 - $166,112.77 / Yearly

Benefits

Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:

Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves
• Medical, including virtual care options
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
• Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
• And more!
• *Los Angeles County applicants only Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

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Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit résumé to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.