Food Packaging Advisor
3 days ago
Seattle
Job DescriptionRetail Packaging Product Safety & Quality Specialist (Advisor, Food Safety – Packaging Industrial Engineer) Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Retail Packaging Product Safety & Quality Specialist to support the development, compliance, and continuous improvement of customer-facing retail packaging. In this role, you will work closely with industry experts, cross‑functional teams, and a global supply base to ensure that all packaging materials meet the highest standards of food safety, material performance, regulatory compliance, and brand quality. This position plays a critical part in advancing our world‑class product safety and quality legacy by analyzing quality signals, resolving packaging incidents, managing specifications, and influencing supplier performance. Key ResponsibilitiesPackaging Quality, Compliance & Technical Expertise • Serve as the technical liaison between Packaging Engineering and the Enterprise Specification Management System for all retail packaging specifications., • Apply advanced knowledge of packaging materials, design, and manufacturing to assess risks, ensure compliance, and provide guidance on new or existing components., • Conduct supplier assessments for all packaging materials, ensuring alignment with food safety and quality requirements., • Interpret and review packaging specifications, CAD drawings, and material certifications to ensure consistency and accuracy.Data Analysis & Quality Signal Management, • Proactively analyze product and supplier quality metrics, complaints, audit findings, customer feedback, and regulatory data to identify trends and emerging risks., • Lead investigations into packaging‑related incidents, customer complaints, and safety or regulatory concerns, driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions., • Provide data‑driven insights to internal teams and suppliers to support operational, quality, and compliance improvements.Supplier Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Leadership, • Partner with suppliers, engineering teams, QA partners, and international stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver packaging improvements within demanding timelines., • Strong background in packaging and material science with emphasis in:, • Plastics, • Pulp & paper, • Poly‑coated paperboard, • Polypropylene (PP), • PLA, PHA biopolymers, • Molded fiber, corrugate, and containerboardQuality & Compliance, • Experience developing and implementing quality programs, product standards, and supplier quality systems., • Hands‑on experience with product quality audits, particularly with materials and packaging., • Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, ISO, GFSI, and BRC compliant standards., • Understanding of food safety principles related to direct/indirect food‑contact packaging.Analytical & Technical Skills, • Strong data analysis skills with experience evaluating quality metrics, performance trends, and audit data., • Proficiency reviewing CAD drawings, specifications, and technical documentation., • Skilled in:, • Smartsheet, • Microsoft Office Suite, • ServiceNow, • Quality Management System softwarePreferred (Nice-to-Have), • Experience supporting packaging engineering teams., • Prior work in food service, CPG, or regulated consumer products., • Familiarity with sustainability requirements or material innovation.Team Culture & Work Environment, • Operates under the Food Safety & Quality organization., • Works closely with the Supplier Food Safety Quality team., • Focus on customer‑facing retail packaging: cups, lids, containers, utensils, etc., • Highly collaborative and interactive team environment., • Strong emphasis on analytical thinking, investigative skills, and cross-functional partnership.Hybrid Work Model, • 4 days onsite, • Fridays remote, • Duration: 12 months, • Placement: Contract, • Pay Rate: $36–$40/hr, • Classification: Packaging Industrial Engineer / Food Safety AdvisorBenefits (eligibility-dependent), • Medical, dental, vision, • 401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options, • Life insurance and AD&D, • Short & long‑term disability, • HSA, • Accident & critical illness coverage, • Transportation benefits, • Employee Assistance Program Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 10, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options.