Packaging Scientist

Do you enjoy Little Debbie® snacks like Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Rolls or Mini Muffins? Maybe you've started your day with Drake's Cake® Coffee Cakes, or enjoyed a granola bar from Sunbelt Bakery®. If so, you've experienced the magic of McKee Foods. We’re proud to be America's favorite family bakery since 1934 and the leading manufacturer of snack cakes nationwide, with annual sales exceeding $1.5 billion. Join our team and help us bring smiles to snack-lovers all over the country!

Pay

Salaried grade 5, 8 or 10
$61,500 - $101,800 / year, depending on experience and qualifications. Actual salaries may vary and in some cases may be higher with extensive experience and strong performance.

This position is part of a career ladder that includes grades 5-13, indicating potential for advancement.

Schedule

1st Shift (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Other hours as needed

On-site / Hybrid-remote with up to two days remote work per week

Location

10606 Apison Pike Collegedale, TN 37315

Job Summary

McKee Foods is seeking a Packaging Scientist to join our Corporate Research and Development team. The Packaging Scientist position within R&D will recommend and conduct packaging research and lead in the development of new and innovative packaging that supports the company’s overall business strategies in growth, innovation and effectiveness. This role will also support the commercialization of new packaging designs, materials and related components in the production of snack foods.

• Identify, research and recommend new and existing packaging options to align with product development, including addressing needs for new classes of trade, new markets and new consumer features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and various stakeholders on new and innovative, cost effective packaging solutions and materials that meet commercial and production requirements. Advance integration among material selection and performance, material specifications, equipment, and performance.
• Demonstrate technical expertise on packaging, materials, and processes along with the ability to communicate that knowledge to internal and external partners.
• Apply understanding of packaging while leading multiple projects under demanding timelines.
• Support management of specifications and other required documentation for new and existing products. Identify and lead the application of continuous improvement in specification management and documentation processes.
• Lead in the identification and development of protocols for testing in both lab and production environments to insure compliance of packaging with functional specifications.
• Coordinate with packaging resources and factory teams in identifying root causes of packaging problems and quality concerns to find solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering or related field
• Understanding of paper/paperboard, converting, package printing, corrugate, adhesives, pallets and films, equipment/materials interaction and packaging laboratory test methods
• CAD experience in DraftSight, SolidWorks, or ArtiosCad or similar
• Familiarity with pallet pattern design software (Cape Pack or TOPS)
• Technical documentation skills
• Flexibility to travel 20%

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering or related field
• 1-4 years of related experience
• Experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food manufacturing industry

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay
• Profit-sharing cash bonus program
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• 25 days Paid Time Off (for vacation, holidays, sick time, personal time, etc.)
• Medical insurance, including health, dental, vision and prescription drug plan
• Supplemental plans, including life insurance
• Health Center and Pharmacy
• Tuition reimbursement
• Credit Union
• Exercise and recreation facility
• Wellness programs with incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits (company-paid)