Packaging Engineer-Food & Beverage

San Francisco Bay Coffee • Lincoln, CA, US • $120k - $140k / year • 1m ago

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Costco Membership Reimbursement and 40% off Employee Discount

About San Francisco Bay Coffee:

Established in 1979, San Francisco Bay Coffee is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing exceptional coffee with a strong focus on sustainability and quality. Roasting over 30 million pounds annually, San Francisco Bay Coffee believes that everyone involved in the coffee journey, from farmers to coffee drinkers, should benefit from the process. With a global network of more than 32,000 farmers, San Francisco Bay Coffee sources specialty-grade Arabica beans from around the world to offer a wide variety of products, including its signature OneCup pods and multiple bag sizes across various roast levels. Its products are available at leading retail locations, including club stores, regional and national grocery chains, and online. Since its inception, the company has prioritized eco-friendly farming and responsible sourcing, investing directly in the communities it partners with to preserve tradition, uplift livelihoods, and maintain its reputation for quality and expertise in the coffee industry.

Job Summary:

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing packaging solutions for roasted, ground and flavored coffee products in multiple package formats to ensure quality, freshness, and sustainability. This role involves working closely with Marketing, R&D, and Operations including production, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to design packaging solutions, solve technical packaging issues, improve packaging processes, reduce costs, and maintain compliance with food safety standards. Additionally, the role will lead and guide the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program across all participating states ensuring compliance at the lowest possible costs.

Responsibilities:

Packaging Design, Development and Testing

Develop innovative packaging solutions that preserve coffee freshness and meet brand standards
Design package structures for various package types including flexible films, cartons, cases, pallets and shippers
Select appropriate materials and technologies for coffee packaging (bags, boxes, labels etc)
Conduct package testing including ship tests to validate integrity and performance of package solutions
Create, manage and maintain packaging specifications including materials, dimensions, die lines and performance measures
Develop and evolve packaging program to comply with various EPR state laws

Supplier and External Partner Management

Develop technical and operational relationships with material and package suppliers
Work with suppliers’ R&D, technical and operational departments to develop and implement solutions to packaging issues
Work with internal procurement, operations and suppliers on cost savings initiatives
Track advancements in packaging/material technologies to provide innovative solutions

Process Optimization

Improve packaging line efficiency and reduce waste.
Implement automation and ergonomic solutions to enhance productivity
Troubleshoot and identify root causes of packing, machinery, and efficiency issues, implementing long term corrective actions

Quality and Compliance

Ensure packaging meets food safety regulations (FDA, FSMA) and sustainability goals
Conduct packaging testing for durability, shelf life, and barrier properties

Cost Management

Analyze packaging costs and identify opportunities for savings without compromising quality

Cross Functional Collaboration

Work with marketing on packaging aesthetics and branding
Work with R&D to support new product development Presenting technical information

Project Management

Coordinate with supply chain for material sourcing and innovation
Ensures compliance of company policies, procedures, and objectives regarding processes, initiatives, and projects
Other duties may be assigned

Comply with all company policies and procedures, demonstrating a strong commitment to Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in support of product integrity, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.

Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Strong knowledge of Food Safety Regulations
Established project management skills
5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in food or beverage industry.
Knowledge of packaging materials (films, laminates, corrugated) and machinery
Familiarity with sustainability practices and food safety standards
Familiarity with EPR compliance across various states
Strong problem-solving and project management skills

Experience Requirements:

Experience with coffee packaging technologies (degassing valves, vacuum sealing0
Proficiency in CAD software and packaging simulation tools
Understanding of automation and robotics in packaging lines
Knowledge of distribution channels and designing to customer requirements
Experience in strategic planning and execution
Knowledge of contracting, negotiating and change management
Travel up to 10%
System engineering
Manufacturing methods and procedures
Manufacturing environments experience a must
Deep understanding of packaging materials and systems
Willingness to work flexible schedule
Ability to motivate teams to produce quality work and simultaneously manage several projects
Hardware specifications Manufacturing quality

Location: Lincoln, CA (Onsite)

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Fair Chance Act

San Francisco Bay Coffee will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if San Francisco Bay Coffee is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act | CRD (ca.gov) webpage.