Processing and Packaging Engineering Manager

Job Description

Job Description Processing and Packaging Engineering Manager Los Angeles, California | Full Time | Direct Hire | Onsite
Salary: $85,000 to $115,000
What Matters Most • Base salary of $85,000 to $115,000, depending on experience and qualifications • 5+ years of food manufacturing and packaging design experience • Strong knowledge of packaging equipment, production processes, and manufacturing line optimization • Experience supporting new product commercialization, packaging development, and production trials • Ability to lead engineering projects, troubleshoot equipment issues, and improve manufacturing efficiency • Opportunity to work across Engineering, R&D, Operations, Quality, and Finance
Job Description We are seeking an experienced Processing and Packaging Engineering Manager to lead packaging development, process design, and engineering improvement initiatives within an established food manufacturing operation in Los Angeles, California.
This position plays a critical role in supporting new product commercialization, optimizing packaging operations, and ensuring production equipment and processes meet quality, efficiency, and cost objectives.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Application and Continuous Improvement, the ideal candidate will combine technical engineering expertise with practical manufacturing knowledge and strong project management skills.
Key Responsibilities • Design packaging components, including shipper cases, cartons, trays, and pallet configurations for branded and B2B products • Partner with R&D and Operations to develop processing methods and packaging solutions for new products • Evaluate packaging equipment compatibility, including sealers, cartoners, case packers, and related machinery • Coordinate equipment modifications, change parts, and new machinery requirements for packaging formats • Develop cost estimates and investment requirements for new production lines, equipment, and packaging processes • Support R&D and Finance with packaging costs and product costing analysis • Troubleshoot packaging and processing challenges in collaboration with Production and Quality Assurance • Coordinate plant trials, equipment setup, and process validation for new products and SKUs • Monitor initial production runs to evaluate operating speed, efficiency, yield loss, and product quality • Lead engineering projects involving new production lines, packaging equipment, and process improvements • Develop manufacturing layouts and production flow designs using CAD software • Identify opportunities to reduce production losses, improve processing yields, and optimize packaging costs • Collaborate with external customers and vendors on packaging specifications, equipment requirements, and process design
Qualifications and Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related technical discipline, or relevant science field • Minimum 5 years of experience in food manufacturing and packaging design • Strong understanding of packaging machinery, manufacturing processes, and production line operations • Experience with packaging development, process engineering, and new product commercialization • Ability to use CAD software for processing layouts and production line design • Understanding of manufacturing costs, process efficiency, production variances, and yield optimization • Strong project management, analytical, and technical problem solving skills • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, production personnel, and operational leadership • Comfortable working independently in an active manufacturing environment • Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies and continuous improvement initiatives
Preferred Experience • AutoCAD and manufacturing line layout design • Frozen or prepared food manufacturing • Packaging equipment including sealers, cartoners, and case packers • New production line installation and equipment commissioning • Packaging cost optimization and material alternatives • Production trials, process validation, and new SKU commercialization • Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a technically strong packaging and process engineering professional who understands the demands of food manufacturing. This individual should be comfortable working directly with production teams, troubleshooting equipment challenges, developing packaging solutions, and leading projects from concept through implementation. The strongest candidates will bring a practical approach to problem solving, strong financial awareness, and the ability to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and support successful product launches.
Benefits and Perks • Base salary of $85,000 to $115,000 • Full time, direct hire opportunity • Opportunity to lead packaging and processing engineering initiatives • Exposure to new product development and commercialization projects • Collaborative environment involving Engineering, Operations, R&D, and Finance • Opportunity to influence manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and cost improvement
Your New Organization Our client is an established food manufacturing organization specializing in prepared food products for retail, private label, and foodservice markets.
The organization offers extensive processing and packaging capabilities and continues to focus on innovation, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
This opportunity provides an experienced engineering professional with the ability to influence packaging development, optimize production processes, and support continued operational improvement.
Your Career Partner The Reserves Network, a veteran founded and family owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field.
The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
Compensation Disclosure: The base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and internal pay equity.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The Reserves Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.