Jobs › Conagra Brands

Senior Packaging Engineer

Conagra Brands · Chicago, IL · $82,000–$120,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a cost savings idea in packaging you brought forward. What happened?

What they are checking: Whether they find and deliver savings while protecting quality and line performance.

Tell me about a time you presented technical results to leaders who weren't engineers.

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate findings and recommendations clearly in writing and in person.

How do you manage several projects across multiple plants on your own?

What they are checking: Whether they can work independently and keep stakeholders informed, as the posting stresses.

What would you do

A packaging film supplier suddenly can't deliver. Walk me through how you'd qualify an alternative quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they can run fast continuity work while still verifying barrier, machinability and food safety.

How would you evaluate a more sustainable packaging material for one of our brands?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh recyclability claims, performance, cost and line impact with real testing.

A new package runs well in the pilot plant but jams at full speed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot systematically across material, machine settings and design.

About the work

How do you plan and run a packaging trial on a production line?

What they are checking: Whether they set clear success criteria, coordinate with the plant and collect data that supports a decision.

What properties matter most when choosing packaging for a shelf-stable food versus a frozen one?

What they are checking: Their knowledge of barrier, seal integrity, temperature performance and shelf life needs.

How do you review and approve a packaging specification?

What they are checking: Whether they check dimensions, materials, tolerances and test methods against real line and product needs.

What packaging technology do you consider yourself a subject matter expert in?

What they are checking: Whether they have real depth in at least one area they can teach others.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Conagra Brands from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Conagra Brands.

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new or alternative packaging solutions supporting cross-functional projects across multiple operations. You will work on projects ranging from large-scale, chartered supply chain initiatives to short-term sourcing and manufacturing continuity efforts. You will lead complex projects and support technical initiatives within Research and Development and Supply Chain Engineering. You will be a key packaging resource supporting multiple platforms and will independently manage work while keeping stakeholders informed. This role will be onsite at the Chicago corporate office with travel to manufacturing plants across the Conagra network. A Taste of Your Responsibilities • Lead technical delivery of short-term continuity projects independently while supporting high complexity technical projects • Develop ideas for cost savings, innovation, and quality improvements relevant to the business • Collaborate with business and technical teams, as well as external partners and suppliers • Plan, execute, and analyze plant, pilot plant, and lab trials independently • Prepare and present technical results to leadership teams in both written and verbal formats • Review, interpret, develop, and approve technical specifications • Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technology platforms • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers • Apply experimental design, performance specifications, and CQV design principles • Identify and troubleshoot complex manufacturing and packaging issues • Lead or participate in brainstorming and resource planning activities • Partner with Enterprise Procurement on category requests for proposal • Build familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans • Contribute on cross-functional teams and understand project cost implications Ingredients Required for Your Success • Bachelor’s degree in packaging, engineering, or related field • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the packaging industry, preferably in consumer packaged goods • Deep knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, package testing methodologies, and consumer-packaged goods manufacturing, with the ability to develop and implement effective packaging solutions throughout the product lifecycle. • Strong understanding of food science, packaging and product interactions, food safety principles, sanitary design, equipment cleaning requirements, and regulatory standards governing food processing and packaging. • Financial acumen to support profitability and interpret capital plans • Demonstrated ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships, communicate effectively with technical and business stakeholders, and confidently present recommendations to senior leadership. • Proven analytical and problem-solving skills paired with a collaborative, team-oriented approach, including mentoring and coaching others to drive project success and continuous improvement. • Travel to manufacturing sites across the Conagra network as needed for projects. Physical Requirements More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply: You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary. Number of Days in Office: 4 Relocation assistance is available for this role, if applicable. #LI-Onsite #LI-MH1 #LI-MSL Compensation Pay Range:$82,000-$120,000 The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees. Our Benefits We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role: • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities Our Company At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome. Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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