Title: Packaging & Film Engineer
Reports To: Packaging Development Manager/Loss Prevention
Location: Delray Beach, FL
Type: Full-Time Onsite Exempt
COMPANY SUMMARY
Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America's families for over a century. Our family's passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.
JOB SUMMARY
The Packaging and Film Engineer is responsible for developing and optimizing innovative packaging solutions that maintain the quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh produce. This role combines expertise in flexible film materials, corrugate, resin based rigid items, packaging technologies, and sustainability to support product integrity from production to consumer. Working cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and suppliers, the engineer ensures packaging meets both functional performance and regulatory standards while driving efficiency and environmental improvements across the packaging lifecycle.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, test, and implement new packaging solutions tailored to fresh produce with a focus on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), shelf life extension, and sustainability.
- Specify and evaluate polymer film structures to ensure barrier properties, mechanical performance, and compatibility with packaging machinery.
- Ensure all packaging materials meet regulatory requirements (FDA, EU, etc.), food safety standards, and customer specifications.
- Utilize food science knowledge to understand interactions between produce and packaging films (e.g., respiration rates, humidity control, ethylene management).
- Collaborate with operations and equipment vendors to improve packaging processes, reduce downtime, and enhance productivity.
- Drive initiatives to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and incorporate biodegradable or compostable materials.
- Evaluate cost-benefit analyses of packaging alternatives and support cost reduction projects without compromising quality.
- Work closely with packaging material suppliers and converters to qualify new materials and technologies.
- Stay current on emerging packaging technologies, regulatory updates, and industry trends.
- Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation to support packaging qualifications and product launches.
- Partner with R&D, Marketing, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to bring new products to market with optimized packaging.
- Provide technical support to resolve packaging issues during production or in the field.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Masters degree in Food Science.
- 4-5+ years of experience in packaging development, preferably in fresh produce, food, or perishable goods manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of flexible film technologies (e.g., LDPE, PET, OPP, PLA), sealing methods, and barrier properties.
- Ability to design packages (boxes) that are freight efficient across all commodities.
- Experience with packaging machinery and line integration (form-fill-seal, flow wrap, etc.).
- Familiarity with sustainability practices and circular packaging strategies.
- Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
- Proficient in data analysis, technical report writing, and packaging software tools (e.g., CAD, simulation tools).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with MAP or active packaging systems for fresh produce.
- Understanding of cold chain logistics and its impact on packaging performance.
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus.
COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS
- 401(k)
- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.