Senior Technologist, Packaging Research & Development, Pet

Your Opportunity as the Senior Technologist, Packaging Research & Development, Pet Shape the future of pet food packaging at Smucker! In this hands-on innovation role, you'll develop and launch new packaging solutions that protect product quality, enhance sustainability, and deliver a better consumer experience. Working cross-functionally with suppliers and manufacturing teams, you'll lead package development from concept and testing through commercialization while driving continuous improvement and sustainable packaging initiatives. If you're passionate about packaging technology, problem-solving, and bringing new ideas to life, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on iconic pet brands. 🐾Location: Orrville, OHWork Arrangements: Hybrid, 60% or more in office presence as business need requires. Travel up to 30% annually.In this role you will: Collaborate boldly with Product R&D, Creative Services, Brand Management, Purchasing, and Suppliers to bring new packaging concepts to life—starting from the earliest design stages.Design and develop innovative packaging solutions using materials like film/laminate, thermoforming, injection molding, paperboard, and corrugated formats—driven by consumer needs and business goals.Lead testing and validation of packaging performance across production, distribution, shelf life, sustainability, and consumer usability—with growing independence.Execute qualifications and trials with suppliers and production facilities, ensuring seamless integration into our manufacturing processes.Drive plant trials with precision—planning, executing, analyzing, and summarizing results in partnership with manufacturing and technical teams.Craft performance-based specifications and manage them within our electronic database system.Advise and recommend top-tier suppliers and service providers to support successful product launches.Champion innovation by proposing new packaging technologies, sustainability solutions, cost-saving ideas, and creative problem-solving approaches.Support technical troubleshooting across the packaging supply chain and production environments.Learn to assess legal and environmental aspects, and patent opportunities for new packagingBuild strong relationships with strategic packaging suppliers to stay ahead of trends and capabilities.What we are looking for:Minimum Requirements:Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or related technical degree2+ years of experience in packaging development or packaging engineeringKnowledge of packaging materials, technologies, and applications Understanding of basic package attributes and qualification test proceduresExperience collaborating across multi-functional and discipline boundaries in a dynamic project environmentExperience conducting plant and lab trials Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.Willingness to travel up to 30% based on project needs and launch sche...