Packaging Engineer

Company Description

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the #1 meat snack brand in America, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snacking Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack brand in America. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company’s house of brands is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, Wild River, Golden Island, Matador, BiFi and Peperami.

Job Description

Jack Links is looking for a Food Packaging Engineer for our Minneapolis, MN office. The Packaging Engineer will provide project leadership and support in the development of automation engineering led solutions for the most complex consumer product production challenges, i.e. new product introductions or line installations, custom machine solutions for unique packaging or product making needs, or systems analysis leading to throughput and efficiency gains. You will be responsible for technical and functional leadership of packaging equipment and automation to support the business. This role requires experience in design and execution of packaging automation projects in Consumer-Packaged Goods for food manufacturing. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Project Leadership: Act as the project engineer manager for projects being implemented.  Develop project design plans and convey concepts and specifications to key stakeholders internally and externally.  Provide corrective feedback to keep projects on track. Manage projects from inception to full implementation.
• Supplier Relationships: Maintain current knowledge of key automation suppliers and provide input on the capabilities and status of providers of automation design, system and equipment manufacturing. Evaluate suppliers and make recommendations for selection based on project needs. 
• Production Support: Work with production and maintenance personnel, support efforts to improve performance of current manufacturing systems, e.g. yield, speed, personnel requirements, and maintenance needs. Consider factors such as ease of setup, changeover and maintenance, reliability, contamination control and costs. Identify possible product modifications to improve manufacturability.
• Process Analysis: Lead FMEA and risk analysis activities for planned automation to ensure high OEE of new systems. 
• Automation Technology: Keep up to date with automation technology developments, new trends, applications, equipment and suppliers.  Apply knowledge to promote continuous improvement of existing production equipment.
• Project Planning:  Build and maintain a hopper of cost savings automation projects to deliver a targeted cost savings plan. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required. Mechanical Engineering or Packaging Engineering degree preferred.
• 5 years’ experience in Automation, Manufacturing and Packaging Technologies within Consumer-Packaged Goods – preferably within the Food Industry
• General knowledge of packaging materials, equipment and manufacturing processes is a plus.
• Experience successfully performing engineered designs for large scale projects and leading project teams.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and resolving both interpersonal and technical problems and through independent work. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills, acute attention to detail, excellent time and project management skills and the drive to complete projects thoroughly.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-changing work environment.
• Must be a creative thinker with good interpersonal relationship skills, strong project management, and process improvement skills, as well as strong cross-functional teamwork skills
• Familiarity with TPM, Six Sigma, LEAN or other vigorous Continuous Improvement Methodologies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Project, Word, and EXCEL
• Knowledge and experience in AutoCAD, Revit, or Solidworks
• Knowledge and proficiency with MS Office and Project Management tools
• Ability to travel 25- 30% to our manufacturing plants and vendors.. 
• Position location Minneapolis, MN

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office.

JACK LINK’S VISION, PURPOSE AND MANTRA:

Able to support and lead Jack Link’s vision, purpose, mantra, and values:

OUR VISION - Be the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company

OUR PURPOSE - We Feed the Journey

OUR MANTRA - We Feed Your Wild Side

JACK LINK’S VALUES:

BE REAL - I am humble and authentic, and I contribute to a fun work environment

SPEED MATTERS - I drive results with innovation, creativity, and a clear sense of urgency.

STEWARDSHIP - I act like an owner to build, improve and protect the quality of the brand and its people.

RELATIONSHIP DRIVEN - I foster collaboration with internal and external partners, and respect diversity, because people matter.

SELF DISCIPLINE - I am accountable for my responsibilities and driven to exceed short- and long-term expectations.

SHOW AWESOME CHARACTER - I am optimistic and enthusiastic while acting with honesty and integrity.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.