We are seeking a highly driven and technically skilled Project Engineer to lead packaging engineering initiatives and capital projects in a regulated manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for the full life cycle of packaging and process improvements, from development and validation to commissioning and continuous improvement. Operating at the intersection of engineering, operations, and strategic planning, this position is pivotal to improving efficiency, capacity, and customer experience across our operations.
Position Responsibilities
Packaging Engineering
- Translate customer brand, regulatory, and sustainability requirements into robust packaging specifications, BOMs, and inspection standards
- Lead component selection for bottles, pouches, closures, cartons, and tertiary packaging
- Negotiate technical and commercial terms with converters, printers, and tooling suppliers
- Direct and document line trials, FAT/SAT, first-article inspections, and validation runs
- Release qualified components and processes into production
- Provide expert troubleshooting support to Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain
- Drive permanent corrective actions that improve OEE, yield, and compliance
Capital Project Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Develop project charters, ROI models, schedules, and resource plans for capital initiatives from $250k to $3MM+
- Secure project approvals and lead vendor selection, contract negotiation, and management of OEMs and contractors
- Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, and IQ/OQ/PQ validation
- Monitor and manage scope, budget, risk, and change control with stage-gate discipline
- Publish KPIs and project dashboards, escalate issues, and drive resolution
- Institutionalize best practices into SOPs and project templates
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s or MBA preferred)
- 7+ years of packaging or process engineering experience in cGMP-regulated food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or CPG environments
- Proven ownership of $1MM+ capital projects
- Deep technical knowledge of high-speed automation, packaging systems, and validation practices
- Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD), MS Project or Smartsheet, and financial modeling tools
- Familiarity with 21 CFR 111/117 and statistical process control
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence across levels
Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)
- PMP certification or ability to obtain within 12 months
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean credential
- Additional qualifications in packaging science or engineering
What the Role Offers
- Leadership opportunity in a highly visible and cross-functional technical role
- Hands-on ownership of major capital and packaging projects
- Impactful work with direct influence on efficiency, compliance, and product quality
- Exposure to strategic decision-making and executive leadership
- Dynamic, hybrid work environment with room for career growth
- Salary Range: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year
Why Layton?
Layton offers the opportunity to work with innovative product lines in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing setting. You’ll collaborate with expert teams in engineering, R&D, and operations while being part of a culture that values accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Join a mission-driven company focused on technical excellence and customer success.