Validation engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you will identify, develop, and commercialize new, improved, and cost‑reduced packaging initiatives for the meat snacks packaging platform. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation, you will work across multiple packaging formats while supporting packaging‑driven projects, plant start‑ups, and capacity expansions. You will perform hands‑on package testing and prototyping in state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and pilot plants, owning assigned brands and spaces while collaborating with internal and external partners.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

• Independently lead the technical delivery of multiple standard packaging projects.

• Support technical projects with guidance from senior‑level engineers.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology.

• Provide support to designated business groups to resolve packaging‑related issues.

• Work directly with business partners including Brand, Finance, Product Development, and Quality on assigned brands.

• Coordinate and execute experiments and plant trials; prepare written and oral technical reports with minimal supervision.

• Interpret, develop, and issue technical packaging specifications.

• Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments within the packaging industry.

• Participate in brainstorming and information‑gathering efforts to support the resource planning process.

• Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing new package ideas.

• Maintain strong communication on projects with internal and external cross‑functional teams.

• Gain familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans of the team.

• Understand project tasks and how they impact project budgets.

• Contribute as needed on cross‑functional teams.

• Acquire working knowledge of packaging principles and operating systems for assigned platforms.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods or food industry.

• Additional packaging internship or cooperative experience.

• Solid understanding of packaging material capabilities and packaging equipment.

• Knowledge of packaging test methodology.

• Strong collaboration skills with a focus on cross‑functional partnerships.

• Strong analytical and logical problem‑solving skills.

• Developing troubleshooting skills with comfort responding in dynamic situations.

• Understanding of business principles.

• Financial understanding to support profitability optimization.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

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

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Compensation

Pay Range:$64,000-$95,000

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.