Packaging Development Technician

Quality. Responsibility. Mutuality. Efficiency. Freedom. Unusual values for a $5 billion company? Not at Masterfoods USA! The Five Principles of Mars have inspired us for over 90 years. More than a statement of values, they are the explanation for our success and the formula for our future.

Masterfoods USA creates the foods you love, like M&M's?, SNICKERS?, DOVE? and UNCLE BEN'S? . . . and the foods your pets love, too, like PEDIGREE?, CESAR?, WHISKAS? and SHEBA?.

We stand apart because we are a global leader in the food, snack and petcare industries and one of the most successful family-owned businesses in the world. Currently, we are looking for qualified, diverse individuals to apply for the following position:




 Job Summary

 

This position is responsible for conducting physical tests on packages and packaging components to determine their suitability and conformance to specification. The role requires collecting data, organizing data, interpreting data and writing test reports. The role also involves conducting packaging line trials and assisting in package development activities as needed.

 

Key ResponsibilitiesWork with all Packaging Scientists and Plant QS associates to ensure that their testing needs are met and reported in a timely fashion. Analyze samples using Masterfoods General Lab Procedures. Perform packaging studies as directed to assess how packaging affects product stability. Write and enter packaging information into the NAIRDS data system, Specman, and other Business systems as needed. Document project assignments and activities through a laboratory notebook. Where appropriate, organize and summarize results of projects and assignments through written reports. Assist in interpreting test data and conduct follow up tests when initial tests do not determine suitability. Maintain and continually update the General Lab Procedures as required. Prepare packaging prototypes utilizing available materials and lab equipment. These prototypes are used to simulate packages produced on plant packaging machinery and are used for laboratory and/or marketing evaluation. Maintain inventory of supplies for efficient lab operations. Instruct other associates in the proper and safe use of lab instruments and procedures where necessary. Operate and maintain all lab equipment (calibration and service contracts). Recommend new equipment as required/needed. Participate in evaluating new equipment and process for increased productivity and improved capabilities for research laboratory services. Establish and maintain a database for the packaging lab. Leverage external resources to conduct testing as needed. Keep current with packaging laboratory standards. Consult with service groups as required. Conduct packaging line trials at appropriate Manufacturing/Co-Manufacturing/Co-Packing facilities to ensure performance validation packaging structure and/or package design. Provide technical support for the Plants, Co-Packers and Co-Manufacturers relative to quality control testing and manufacturing problems.




Key Skills RequiredAbility to understand and operate using Masterfoods' General Test ProceduresThorough understanding of packaging lab equipmentBasic packaging knowledge in core areasUnderstanding of ASTM and TAPPI test procedures that apply to food packagingAbility to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and requests from multiple individualsUnderstand mechanical equipment and basic engineering and testing principlesClear and open communication (written and verbal) skills combined with problem solving and troubleshooting skills needed to maintain high team efficiencyExcellent interpersonal skillsAbility to work effectively in a team environment -- strong self initiative along with the ability to motivate others to produce quality resultsProficient in business software packages (Windows, Word, Excel)Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with no restrictionsDemonstrated flexibility -- effectively working under pressure and tight deadlinesFlexibility to work overtime as needed

 

Minimum Qualifications
Strong desire to begin a career in Packaging within the R&D function

The knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program in a related field, or equivalent work experience (Packaging).
Successful completion of a drug and background screen


Preferred Qualifications
1+ year of R&D experience in packaging

B.S. in packaging, engineering, or food production

 

Company-paid relocation is not available for this position.

 

As a privately-held, family-owned company, Masterfoods USA offers benefits which reflect our commitment to attracting and retaining great people. This includes excellent pay, fully-funded health and dental care premiums (that means no money deducted from your paycheck for health care benefits), coverage which begins on your first day of work, one of the most generous retirement and savings plans in the nation, a very competitive vacation plan and unrivaled career advancement opportunities, to name just a few of our unique and generous benefits.

 

If you're looking for a place where you can take ownership for your work, where the pace is fast, the environment is built around the importance of open communication, and where employees are called "associates" and treated as such, then we want to hear from you. 

We value a diverse work environment and encourage qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, gender and age. Masterfoods USA is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

Visit www.mars.com to learn more about our company and for information about all of our current openings. Please, no agencies.