Packaging Quality Engineer

Job Summary Tone Products is a fast-growing syrup and sauce co-packer in Melrose Park. The Packaging Quality Engineer keeps our filling lines running by solving packaging component problems at the source. When a cap leaks, a bottle arrives out of spec, a poly bag tears, or a label flags, this role finds the root cause, works the fix with the supplier, and makes sure the specification on file keeps it from happening again. The role sits in Supply Chain and Procurement, reports to the Director of Supply Chain, and works closely with Quality Assurance, Operations, and Engineering. About 60 percent of the job is floor troubleshooting and supplier quality. The other 40 percent is supply chain efficiency, including cost savings, pallet optimization, and line trials. This is not a structural or creative packaging design role. Core Responsibilities 1. Line Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis Respond to packaging component failures on automated liquid filling lines, including leaking caps, out-of-spec bottles, tearing poly bags, and flagging labels. Lead root cause investigations using structured tools such as 5 Why, fishbone diagrams, and 8D. Document findings and confirm that corrective actions hold. Track packaging-related downtime and defects to identify repeat issues. 2. Specifications & Material Data Own, acquire, and maintain the facility’s master technical specification library for all packaging items. Secure current engineering drawings, critical tolerances, Material Data Sheets (MDS), and food contact compliance documentation from suppliers. Use these documents as our “Golden Standards” for every packaging item. Bring outdated specifications up to date, starting with the highest-volume and highest-risk items. 3. Supplier Quality & Vendor Accountability Author technical Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and manage supplier Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) through closure. Provide the technical data Procurement needs to hold vendors accountable and secure material credits. Support supplier qualification and audits, and review supplier certificates of analysis and compliance. Report supplier quality performance to Procurement and Quality Assurance. 4. Inbound Inspection Standards Translate specification sheets into clear, measurable inbound inspection criteria and sampling plans for the QA and receiving teams. Train QA and receiving staff on inspection methods and measurement tools. Partner with Quality Assurance so inspection standards fit the facility’s food safety program. 5. Cost Savings & Value Engineering Identify opportunities for material cost reductions, down-gauging, or material consolidation. Protect product quality and line efficiency while reducing cost. 6. Logistics & Pallet Optimization Review and optimize pallet configurations, shipper designs, and load stability. Reduce freight damage and maximize warehouse space. 7. Line Trials & Qualification Plan and execute line trials for alternative packaging materials or new vendors sourced by Procurement. Set acceptance criteria and document results before a new material is approved for production. Technical Proficiencies Required · Strong technical knowledge of rigid plastics (PET and HDPE bottles, closures, thread types) · Strong technical knowledge of flexible materials (poly bags, pouches, corrugated boxes, pressure-sensitive labels) · Ability to read engineering drawings and blueprints, including tolerances · Ability to use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, torque testers) · Root cause analysis tools (5 Why, fishbone, 8D) · Ability to write NCRs and manage supplier CAPAs · Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data analysis in Excel · Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a manufacturing environment Preferred · Experience in food and beverage, CPG, or contract packaging · Familiarity with GMP, SQF, or BRC food sa…

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