Principal Packaging Engineer

Whole Foods Market, Inc.
paid time off, retirement plan
United States, Texas, Austin
550 Bowie Street (Show on map)
May 28, 2025
This role involves standing up and leading the integration of the Packaging Engineering function into our private label ecosystem. The individual will identify business opportunities within the portfolio, implement packaging solutions, and collaborate cross-functionally with Whole Foods Market (WFM) and supplier partners to drive results. With a strong understanding of Amazon (AMZ) and WFM sustainability initiatives, they will work to achieve packaging sustainability SMART goals. The ideal candidate will be recognized as subject matter expert (SME) in packaging engineering and sustainability. The person will serve as a trusted advisor, aligning packaging engineering efforts with broader business and sustainability goals, collaborating closely with key teams, including our cross functional project teams, and our Sustainability Team.This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office five days a week. Responsibilities: Build, integrate and drive engagement of Packaging Engineering function with internal stakeholders, most notably our cross functional project team members, Indirect Procurement Team, and Sustainability Teams Serve as the SME for Packaging Engineering to our Sourcing & Product Development Team Work collaboratively to build processes and procedures to implement packaging development mechanisms into the product development processes inclusive of all food, beverage, and non-food categories Work to outline, communicate and execute practical and impactful packaging testing programs for products Collaborate to identify and activate on Packaging Sustainability Goals through 2040 Manage 3rd party collection, validation, and evaluation of packaging specifications and drive integration with internal systems Serve as a trusted advisor in the space of packaging design, engineering, stability and compatibility with a full stakeholder group across the WFM community Identify opportunities for optimization in customer experience and packaging performance in product portfolio Create and implement robust processes to identify opportunities for packaging cost optimization, yielding consistent YoY savings to the business Establish relationship with Legal, Regulatory and Compliance teams to understand any incoming packaging materials regulations that will impact the product portfolio, coordinate requirements Required Communication/Presentation/Professional Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills required Strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills required Excellent team facilitation and presentation skills required Ability to translate complex topics into plain language Ability to thoughtfully navigate change and ambiguity Requirements: BA/BE/BS degree in Packaging Engineering, or related field, advanced degree a plus 5-8 years of relevant Packaging Engineering experience, preferably in the CPG industry Proven track record of success in understanding business objectives, and driving reportable results Ability to work well in a high-pace dynamic environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and ensure task completion and deadlines are met as required Proficient with Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams Preferred experience with AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks and Pallet Pattern Optimization Software (Cape Pack or TOPS) The wage range for this position is $100,244.00-$170,415.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person's date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits. At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs. Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.