Senior Packaging Engineer — Chicago

Job Description: Senior Packaging Engineer – Mars Accelerator Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE’S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS, and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow, and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations. We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We’re proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world! As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will lead the scoping and development of next-generation packaging technologies and materials across our fast-growing Accelerator portfolio. Acting as the primary technical point of contact for cross-functional stakeholders, you will champion a consumer-centric approach and bring game-changing technical solutions to life—from concept to shelf. In this high-visibility role, you will combine technical mastery with an entrepreneurial test-and-learn spirit, driving innovation, mentoring emerging talent, and evolving our ways of working to shape the future of packaging at Mars. What are we looking for? • Education: BS or MS degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. • Relevant Experience: At least 6 years of hands-on, concept-to-launch package engineering experience, including packaging development, manufacturing qualification, start-up, and scale-up for new product projects. • Technical Mastery: Strong foundational knowledge of packaging materials, converting processes, and packaging equipment/machinery. • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated familiarity working across Innovation, Sustainability, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Legal/Regulatory, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing. • Entrepreneurial Mindset & Agility: A strategic thinker with a Test & Learn mentality, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, rapidly shifting environment with a strong sense of urgency. • Influencing & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels, with proven ability to align diverse perspectives and drive consensus. • Analytical Problem-Solving: Robust analytical and data-driven problem-solving capabilities, with prudent judgment informed by industry trends and best practices. • Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel up to 30–40%. Nice-to-Haves / Pluses: • Prior packaging experience in the Food & Beverage industry. • Hands-on experience developing novel, breakthrough materials or sustainable packaging technologies (including familiarity with EPR regulations and CA SB54). • Experience navigating and driving impact within a matrixed organization, along with proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project). What will be your key responsibili ties? • Technical Scoping & Development: Lead the technical scoping, prototyping, development, pilot production, and Proof of Principle (PoP) validation for complex packaging innovation and renovation initiatives across the Accelerator portfolio. • Trial Execution & Risk Management: Design and execute disciplined trial plans, collect and analyze data, interpret technical results, and develop robust action and contingency plans to mitigate project risk. • Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Serve as the packaging subject matter expert and lead technical liaison with cross-functional partners in Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Quality to bring new packaging solutions to market. • External Innovation & Supplier Partnerships: Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, monitoring industry trends and external technology breakthroughs to integrate cutting-edge packaging solutions. • Mentorship & Talent Development: Coach and mentor junior engineering associates, fostering technical capability building and a culture of continuous learning. • Process & Ways of Working Evolution: Continuously challenge the status quo, optimizing departmental and enterprise-wide packaging development processes, tools, and best practices. • Global Community & Network Sharing: Actively connect and network with Business Unit and Global Mars R&D communities to share, leverage, and implement packaging best practices. What can you expect from Mars? • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. • Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. • An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. #Marsjobs #LI-LD1 #LI-Onsite The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00