Packaging Research and Development Specialist

Coca-Cola

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 9 days ago
Location(s): United States of AmericaCity/Cities: AtlantaTravel Required: 00% - 25%Relocation Provided: NoJob Posting End Date: September 12, 2025Shift:Job Description Summary: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
The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.Skills: Autodesk AutoCAD, Automation Engineering, Communication, Control Systems (Inactive), Food Processing, Food Production, Leadership, Lead Times, Lean Manufacturing, Materials Handling, Microsoft Office, Packaging Supplies, Process Engineering, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Engineering, Research and Development Operations, Six Sigma, Supply Chain, Timeline Development, Waterfall ModelPay Range: $89,800 - $107,000Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage: 7.5Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.Our Purpose and Growth Culture:We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

Coca-Cola