Packaging engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Ready to Lead Quality Excellence and Drive Continuous Improvement?

Join Hood Container as our Quality Manager!

At Hood Container, we’re more than packaging—we’re committed to delivering quality, consistency, and innovation in everything we do. As our Quality Manager, you’ll play a critical leadership role in shaping our Quality Vision, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across our corrugator and converting operations. You’ll partner closely with operations, customers, and suppliers to elevate performance and deliver best-in-class results.

How You Will Contribute:

Quality Leadership & Systems Management

• Lead and supervise the Quality Control team, setting clear expectations and driving accountability.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS), including ISO 9001 compliance.
• Train and coach employees on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Customer Service, Design, and Operations teams to ensure alignment with customer requirements.
• Serve as the key liaison between customers and production to resolve quality concerns and drive satisfaction.
• Lead the New Product Introduction (NPI) process to ensure successful product launches.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead quality resolution processes including containment, root cause analysis, CAPA, and effectiveness verification.
• Drive implementation of QA & QC methodologies (IQC, IPQC, OQC, SCP).
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives such as 5S, SMED, G8D, PPAP, Visual Management, and Waste Reduction.

Supplier & Compliance Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, driving quality improvements and key initiatives.
• Oversee compliance with regulatory and certification requirements (AIB, REACH, RoHS, cGMP, Prop 65).
• Manage sustainability and Chain of Custody programs (FSC, SFI, PEFC).
• Support product and food safety programs, audits, and material certification processes.

Operational Excellence

• Lead color management processes to ensure consistency and quality standards.
• Support Code of Conduct and Social Responsibility initiatives.
• Utilize data and analytics to identify trends, solve complex problems, and improve overall performance.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Quality Management and Continuous Improvement.
• Strong experience managing ISO 9001 and AIB programs.
• Proven experience implementing QA/QC methodologies (IQC, IPQC, OQC, SCP).
• Hands-on experience with Continuous Improvement tools (5S, SMED, G8D, PPAP, VSM, etc.).
• Knowledge of compliance standards (cGMP, Prop 65, REACH, RoHS).
• Strong business acumen with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Minitab.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Experience in corrugated or packaging manufacturing.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Bilingual in English & Spanish.

Why You’ll Love Working at Hood Container:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits:Salary range $86,400–$123,400, depending on experience, plus a full benefits package.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for leadership development and continuous improvement training.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a team that values accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Industry Impact: Be part of a sustainable and growing industry where quality makes a difference.

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