Associate Packaging Technologist

Have you ever enjoyed Arnold®, Brownberry® or Oroweat® bread? A Thomas’® English muffin or bagel? Or perhaps snacked on a Sara Lee®, Entenmann’s® or Marinela® cake or donut? If the answer is yes, then you know Bimbo Bakeries USA! More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure our consumers have the freshest products at every meal. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we provide a safe and inclusive work environment that appreciates diversity, promotes development and allows our associates to be their authentic selves. #LI-MJ1 Come join the largest baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide! Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA: Salary Range: $67,700 - $88,000 Annual Bonus Eligibility Comprehensive Benefits Package 401k & Company Match The posted salary range reflects the range the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual starting salary will be determined based on internal pay equity to promote consistency and fairness across comparable roles, while also considering the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications. Position Summary: The Associated Packaging Technologist I is responsible for the development, implementation, and optimization of packaging materials, packaging systems, and packaging processes across assigned bakery and manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver innovative packaging solutions that improve product quality, operational efficiency, sustainability, and performance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on packaging professional with strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a passion for continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Packaging Development & Innovation Research, develop, and implement new packaging materials, technologies, and packaging solutions. Identify opportunities to improve package performance, product protection, manufacturability, and sustainability. Lead initiatives focused on innovative, value improved, and environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Commercialization & Project Support. Support Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Engineering during the development and commercialization of new products and packaging. Coordinate packaging trials, equipment validations, and plant testing activities. Participate in project kickoff, stage gate, and qualification meetings to ensure successful implementation and launch readiness. Monitor packaging performance following product launches and implement improvements as needed. Packaging Quality & Technical Support Troubleshoot packaging-related issues and lead root cause investigations. Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve packaging performance. Support bakery teams in addressing packaging quality concerns, consumer complaints, and operational challenges. Continuous Improvement & Productivity Identify and lead productivity, waste reduction, and cost-savings initiatives. Utilize statistical analysis, Lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance packaging and manufacturing performance. Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, Operations, and Engineering to deliver measurable business results. Packaging Specifications & Supplier Management Develop, maintain, and optimize packaging material specifications and standards. Collaborate with packaging material and equipment suppliers. Support resolution of packaging-related claims, credits, and disputes. Ensure packaging materials meet quality, food safety, regulatory, and operational requirements. Training & Knowledge Management Develop and maintain packaging training materials and technical documentation. Connect with industry experts, universities, laboratories, and internal stakeholders to expand organizational packaging knowledge. Maintain packaging specifications and documentation within PLM and other company systems. Additional Responsibilities Support new technology development initiatives across multiple product categories. Travel approximately 70%, including occasional weekends, to support manufacturing facilities and project activities. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical. Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical field. Experience 0 – 3 years of packaging engineering, packaging technology, or related experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or industrial manufacturing environments. Technical Skills Basic knowledge of packaging materials, package design, and packaging equipment. Experience supporting packaging commercialization, validation, and plant implementation activities is a plus. Understanding of root cause analysis, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies. Basic understanding of sustainable packaging technologies and material optimization. Elementary understanding of LMSS or continuous improvement principles. Competent in Microsoft Suite. Competencies Analytical, organizational, and project management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions. Results-oriented and continuous improvement mindset. Self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications Exposure to food, bakery, snack, or consumer packaged goods industry. Familiarity with flexible packaging, corrugated materials, labels, films, and packaging automation systems. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification. Experience working with packaging suppliers, converters, and OEM equipment manufacturers. Join our team and help drive packaging innovation, sustainability, quality, and operational excellence across our manufacturing network. The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bimbo Bakeries USA is an equal opportunity employer with a policy that provides equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, any other classification protected by law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.