About Us
For nearly 50 years, Bar Bakers has been a Southern California visionary within retail and commercial baking. In May 2024, Bar Bakerswas acquired by TruFoodMfg. For nearly 40 years, TruFoodMfg has been developing and producing nutrition bars, chocolate molded products, and granola for our customers. Together, food is our shared passion. Whether it’s mixing and topping nutrition and protein bars, making wholesome granola, baking gourmet, layered wafer, sandwich crème cookies or fruit-filled breakfast and nutritional bars, our dedication to quality and variety inspires us to create products that satisfy both the sweet-tooth and the health-conscious consumer.
Join us as we grow and build a powerful brand; energized by the needs of our customers and inspired by the limitless ways to delight our consumers.
Job Summary
We are seeking an energetic and proactive Packaging Engineer to support a growing, multi-site manufacturing organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by leading packaging projects and collaborating across various functions. The Packaging Engineer will drive innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in packaging solutions across the business.
Reports to: Vice President of Engineering
Definition of Success
- Lead the development, design, and implementation of packaging solutions across multiple product categories.
- Drive innovation, efficiency, and quality through packaging projects, including new product launches, line extensions, and graphic updates.
- Optimize packaging processes and materials, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and support for packaging operations across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Develop and implement packaging tools (e.g., capability matrices, film calculators, SOPs, and test methods).
- Design and execute primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions to meet business needs.
- Act as a liaison between customers and internal teams to recommend optimal packaging solutions.
- Lead packaging changes for graphic refreshes, material upgrades, and design updates.
- Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives to improve packaging efficiency and reduce waste.
- Collaborate with suppliers on material sourcing and packaging development.
- Lead large-scale packaging equipment projects, from concept through commercialization.
- Conduct plant trials and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges related to packaging operations.
- Create and manage packaging documentation, including technical protocols, material specs, and SOPs.
- Develop and execute a packaging strategy to build a pipeline of innovative solutions.
- Utilize packaging software (e.g., TOPS PRO, CAPE PACK) to optimize pallet configurations and cargo loads.
Key Competencies
- Self-Starter: Takes initiative and drives packaging projects independently.
- Problem Solver: Analyzes technical challenges, creates solutions, and develops risk mitigation strategies.
- Results-Oriented: Focuses on delivering measurable improvements and meeting project timelines.
- Adaptable and Flexible: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and handles ambiguity effectively.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works well with teams across engineering, maintenance, and procurement.
- Customer Focus: Understands the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
- Project and Time Management: Plans tasks effectively and prioritizes work to meet deadlines.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in packaging, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Technical expertise in packaging materials (film, paperboard, corrugated) and equipment (wrappers, palletizers, robotics).
- Familiarity with ASTM/ISTA testing standards and quality control requirements.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and packaging software (TOPS PRO, CAPE PACK).
- Ability to multi-task and operate effectively under tight deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.
- Clear and professional communication skills with both customers and internal teams.
Bar Bakers / TruFood Manufacturing is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal consideration for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
