Packaging Research and Development Specialist

Packaging Research and Development Specialist is responsible for identifying, assessing and developing new plastics, metal can or secondary packaging, with a focus on innovation, productivity and enabling technologies, for North America Operating Unit R&D organization. The person will identify and leverage relevant packaging trends, consumer trends and technical guidance research along with system capability to develop new packaging formats. The role will involve collaborating with stake holders encompassing resin suppliers, converters, OEM’s along with supply chain and bottling teams for re-application of ideas from the Coca-Cola Global Packaging network as well as working with external resources such as design agencies, consultants, universities and suppliers for new format development. The scope of a typical project will include idea generation, proof of concept, design, development, pilot and trial activities to establish plastics material – machine compatibility. The person will have demonstrated the ability to successfully develop and commercialize packages to the market, meeting the brand / business expectations.
 
What You’ll Do for Us

• Technical Project Management:  Developing ability to lead complex projects that involve cross-functional teams. Includes the ability to manage broad scopes, multiple suppliers and/or team members from partner companies.
• Packaging Development:  Developing knowledge of plastics, metal can or secondary packaging materials and the related production processes. This includes knowledge of material compatibility, supplier processes, standards and specifications.  Ability to scale new technology into a viable commercial proposition, bench to plant. End to end knowledge of the packaging industry from raw materials, conversion processes, printing, application and through distribution network. 
• Deep insight into sustainable materials, recycling systems and latest technologies.
• Material, product and machine interface optimization with a focus on driving costs and waste out of the system.
• General knowledge of Plastics materials like PET, its application and conversion processes from beverage application.
• Beverage Manufacturing:  Developing knowledge of and ability to apply carbonated and non-carbonated beverage processing techniques (e.g., proportioning, carbonating, syrup manufacturing, filling).

 
Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelors of Engineering – Packaging, Materials or Chemical.  Master’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years relevant work experience in roles such as packaging development or packaging engineering at consumer products focused corporations.

 
What We Can Do for You

• Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products. 
• Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others. 
• Community of Belonging: We’re an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work. 
• Compensation & Benefits:  Competitive benefits package that start on day one of employment 

Leadership; Supply Chain; Lean Manufacturing; Research and Development Operations; Autodesk AutoCAD; Project Engineering; Lead Times; Food Processing; Food Production; Timeline Development; Packaging Supplies; Waterfall Model; Programmable Logic Controller (PLC); Materials Handling; Six Sigma; Process Engineering; Microsoft Office; Communication; Automation Engineering; Control Systems (Inactive)