Job Details

Summary: We are seeking an R&D Packaging Engineer to lead packaging innovation and optimization across our portfolio. This role owns the development, testing, and commercialization of new and existing packaging solutions along with packaging specifications and technical troubleshooting. The Packaging R&D Engineer works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions that perform in real manufacturing environments while upholding So Good So You's mission-driven values.

GOOD SO YOU VALUES:

At So Good So You, it is our mission to care for our bodies and the planet. We also believe that work should be enjoyable. We have a fun, high-performance environment rooted in doing more good together, celebrating curiosity, and focusing on what matters. This value set is the secret behind our incredible growth, amazing team, and why the future looks even brighter.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• As a Packaging R&D Engineer, you'll own the development, testing, and commercialization of packaging solutions from feasibility through launch, supporting both day-to-day manufacturing needs and long-term scale. You'll:
• Lead end-to-end packaging development across new and existing formats, from concept and material selection through validation, line trials, and commercialization.
• Design packaging solutions that perform across both automated and manual packing environments, balancing sustainability, usability, throughput, and cost.
• Collaborate with Marketing on packaging format, branding elements, and consumer experience to ensure product and packaging alignment with market strategy.
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications that meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Support plant trials, capital projects, and on-the-floor troubleshooting in close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and QA.
• Conduct functional testing and material qualification to ensure packaging performance, manufacturability, and supply continuity.
• Drive cost-savings and optimization initiatives across packaging materials, formats, and suppliers while managing multiple vendor relationships.
• Manage technical timelines, proactively identifying risks, trade-offs, and dependencies to keep projects on track in a fast-moving environment.
• Champion sustainability at every stage of packaging and system design, embedding So Good So You's zero-waste and renewable energy commitments into practical, scalable solutions.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Experienced Packaging R&D Engineer and systems thinker who thrives in fast-moving, build-and-scale environments. You bring a hands-on, pragmatic approach to problem-solving and understand that smart packaging decisions are critical to product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability. You also:
• Take end-to-end ownership of packaging development-from material selection and supplier qualification through line trials, validation, and commercialization.
• Make intentional, data-driven decisions, recognizing that material choices, design trade-offs, and process optimization directly impact cost, performance, and environmental footprint.
• Understand the realities of beverage manufacturing and enjoy working close to production to solve real problems in real time.
• Collaborate effectively across Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners to meet customer, consumer, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels, from operators on the floor to senior leadership, translating technical detail into actionable insights.
• Balance near-term execution and troubleshooting with longer-term innovation and platform development as the business scales.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering / R&D with hands-on involvement in development, testing and commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience across multiple packaging formats and materials, including:
• Beverage bottle packaging / technology
• Flexible and paper-based packaging
• Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems
• Strong understanding of packaging development processes, including material selection, validation, line trials, and launch.
• Experience designing packaging solutions compatible with both automated and manual packing environments.
• Proven ability to create and maintain technical documentation, including packaging specifications, drawings, and test protocols.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and FDA regulatory requirements within food and beverage manufacturing.
• Working proficiency with CAD and packaging design tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%, including on-site support in Inver Grove Heights, MN, as needed.
• Preferred:
• Experience with PET Bottles
• Experience with aluminum can packaging
• Working knowledge of manufacturing packaging equipment
• Experience with eco-friendly, recyclable, or compostable packaging solutions.
• Experience leading new packaging line start-ups, extensions, and equipment upgrades
• Spanish language proficiency-ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking team members is a strong plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• In accordance with Minnesota's Pay Transparency Law (effective January 1, 2025), the salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 annually.
• In addition to the base salary, the following benefits are offered:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance and AD&D, Primary and Secondary Caregiver Leave
• Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of annual bonus
• Please note that these benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply on our website! www.sogoodsoyou.com/careers

Your cover letter should answer the question: "How do you embody our motto of For the Love of Body & Planet™ in your life?

About So Good So You

So Good So You is a leading brand of premium plant-based functional beverages in the exciting natural & better-for-you food and beverage industry. Founded in 2014 in Minneapolis, SGSY was featured in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year in the INC5000 list of fastest-growing privately-held companies in the US, growing 425% in the last 3 years. SGSY's industry-leading premium probiotic wellness shots are carried in over 14,000 locations nationwide in all 50 states throughout the US. As a mission-driven brand that does all things For the Love of Body and Planet™, SGSY became a B Corp in early 2023, officially codifying its commitment to optimizing the brand's social and environmental impact. A WBENC-certified majority female-owned business, SGSY advocates for social justice and closing the opportunity gap within minority communities. The current workforce is 67% female and 46% BIPOC, with 50% of managers across all levels being female. Additionally, SGSY actively seeks to hire and support the career growth of minority, BIPOC, and diversity candidates.

Founded in 2014 in Minneapolis, So Good So You is the leading brand of premium plant-based juice shots. Proudly recognized for the fifth consecutive year by the INC5000 list of fastest-growing privately-held companies in the US, SGSY has seen skyrocketing growth of 425% in the last 3 years. But as a mission-driven brand that does all things For the Love of Body and Planet™, our products stand for much more than your average juice shot. Our office and manufacturing facility are 100% powered by renewable energy and, as of 2023, we are officially a certified B-Corporation. But our mindful practices don't stop there, with a female-led board and female-majority team, we are making progressive strides across all parts of our company and advocating for social justice and closing the opportunity gap within minority communities. Our current workforce is 67% female and 46% BIPOC, with 50% of managers across all levels being female. Additionally, SGSY actively seeks to hire and support the career growth of minority, BIPOC, and diversity candidates.

For the Love of Body and Planet ™ Our company believes that we are So Good, Together™ and strives to inspire an active lifestyle that is in harmony with the environment - that starts with embracing a lifestyle based predominantly on plant-based foods, reducing our waste and being conscious of our carbon footprint. We operate a renewable energy powered Zero Waste manufacturing facility. We believe in the power of community - surrounding yourself with healthy, happy people exponentially increases your chances of being healthy and happy too! We are following our passions and are committed to supporting our community - our employees, families, friends and customers - to find and follow their own passions!

So Good Brand Inc. is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing and background check may be required based on the position. So Good Brand Inc. participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility. Learn More Property of So Good Brand Inc.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.