Senior Packaging Engineer
Location: Blandon, PA
Department: CPG
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Department: CPG
Job Description
Adept Group offers an award-winning workplace for exceptional packaging industry talent. We work on a range of innovative projects for iconic brand owners. Our technically gifted team collaborates to produce unparalleled results.
We offer a great place to showcase your expertise and build upon your skillset. All while having fun with amazing people from a variety of diverse backgrounds. We’re driven, inspirational and most importantly, human.
We offer a flexible, creative culture focusing on 3 pillars - our environment, our communities, and our health and well-being. Join a team committed to building a sustainable future!
The Opportunity
Adept Group is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer (1099 Contractor) in Blandon, PA! Initially during phase one, this contractor will work onsite in Blandon, PA. Following the first phase, some remote opportunity is acceptable. The ideal candidate would be within 2 hours driving distance to Blandon, PA.
This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 6 months at 20-30 hours per week, with the possibility of extension.
Key Responsibilities:
- Troubleshoot and resolve current film, tray, and sealing issues related to new top-seal and MAP packaging initiatives.
- Support packaging innovation and shelf-life improvement projects for fresh mushrooms.
- Develop and document packaging specifications for trays, films, and other packaging components.
- Work with vendors on adhesion, seal quality, and film performance issues.
- Assist in shelf-life testing, respiration/gas balance trials, and related validation work.
- Support alignment between packaging design, automation readiness, and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Procurement to ensure packaging solutions meet performance, food safety, and customer requirements.
Typical Day to Day:
- Work on-site with the operations team to observe line performance, assess issues, and collect data.
- Interface with film and tray suppliers to coordinate testing and troubleshoot failures.
- Conduct or oversee film adhesion and sealing trials, monitor packaging failures, and identify root causes.
- Evaluate packaging designs for fit, seal integrity, and compatibility with automation equipment.
- Support material validation, documentation, and specification development.
- Prepare technical documentation to support Quality and Procurement (e.g., packaging specifications, test results, vendor bid packages).
- Provide technical feedback and guidance to the team as part of weekly project updates.
- 5–10 years of experience in fresh produce or perishable foods
- Strong background in packaging engineering, ideally within fresh produce, refrigerated, or perishable food environments.
- Experience with tray and film packaging, top-seal, and MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging).
- Knowledge of thermoformed trays, sealing systems, and film performance testing.
- Familiarity with adhesion, condensation, and respiration/moisture control in chilled environments.
- Experience coordinating vendor trials, troubleshooting film or seal failures, and documenting results.
- Ability to develop and maintain packaging specifications.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment and communicating across cross-functional teams.
Nice to Haves:
- Experience with automation projects or equipment integration for packaging lines.
- Exposure to shelf-life modeling or packaging lab testing.
- Familiarity with fiber tray development or sustainable material alternatives.
- Experience with retail and club store packaging formats (e.g., fresh produce, berries, salads, etc.).
- Background in packaging cost optimization or sourcing would be a plus.
Disclaimer:
This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.
This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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