
TNE Packaging Engineer
- Kingsport, TN
- Permanent
- Part-time
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship on packaging properties, converting processes (e.g., extrusion coating, lamination, metallization, printing, filling, sealing), performance testing and application requirements specific to film and paper-based solutions.
- Lead customer facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of paper-based flexible packaging structures, including multi-layer laminates incorporating paper substrates, coatings, and sustainable barrier materials.
- Drive innovation in sustainable paper packaging by evaluating new raw materials, bio-based coatings, and recyclable/compostable barrier technologies.
- Develop and maintain detailed packaging specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements tailored to paper-based flexible packaging.
- Engage the packaging value chain to discover needs across multiple applications and prioritize opportunities for development work
- Influence decision makers at customers to adopt new packaging solutions
- Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to paper-based packaging and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
- Partner with marketing and business development teams to deliver new business growth
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of industry experience in flexible packaging design and development, with both paper and film-based packaging materials and solutions.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%, mainly within North America is required
- Deep technical understanding of paper substrates, coatings, barrier technologies, and converting processes.
- Understanding of packaging requirements across different food packaging applications, including considerations for barrier, shelf life, regulatory compliance, and food safety.
- Proven expertise in packaging performance testing related to film and paper-based materials.
- Strong knowledge of sustainability principles, recyclable and compostable packaging standards, and regulatory compliance for paper-based packaging.
- Experience engaging multiple points along the packaging value chain is highly desired
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Project leadership experience preferred including short-term and long-term project planning and participation on cross-functional team
- Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners