Director Engineering - Packaging Systems And Automation

Packaging And Automation Engineering Lead

Reporting to the Senior Director Engineering you will lead a team of packaging and automation engineers responsible for packaging equipment line design across approximately 40 plants to deliver the yearly capital plan as well as a pipeline of automation projects and programs. Develop an internal team of subject matter experts, internal Engineering Managers, and 3rd party engineering resources in Packaging System Line design and automation. You will originate/approve designs, evaluate results, and make recommendations to senior management. Develop and modify Packaging Equipment and Robotic design standards, methods, and controls to meet business needs. You will review product requirements to ensure proper packaging and equipment design, determines costs and schedules while ensuring major segments of complex packaging projects meet cost schedule, and performance.

You Will:

• Provide technical leadership to identify and develop key technologies, strategies, programs, and projects to build technical capability, increase system reliability, and deliver the highest value business benefit to the company.
• Recognize inside and outside the company as a technical authority on packaging equipment and system design including primary and secondary packaging.
• Utilize effective communication and leadership skills to be influential across the organization at a platform, business, or enterprise level.
• Lead and partner with Research and Development, Supply Chain and other stakeholders early in a project's lifecycle to evaluate multiple scenarios and gain alignment.

• Develop internal subject matter experts by building technical capability and mentoring.
• Own the engineering design for new primary and secondary packaging lines
• Utilize technology, automation, and robotics as a lever to increase competitiveness and improve food safety, quality, and manufacturing cost reductions.
• Create standardization of equipment and procedures and replicates these across the enterprise.
• Lead a team to develop Front-End-Loading packages (FEL's) that are complete, clear, concise, and reflect thorough due diligence to ensure project success. FEL packages include, but are not limited to:
• Technology assessment and recommended solutions reflecting plant, ConAgra, and industry best-in-class practices
• Physical location and general arrangement placements (drawing level)
• Work with the engineering team to establish the cost, schedule, risks, and startup requirements for projects
• Equipment / System Performance criteria
• Identification of Alternatives, Pre-requisites, Risks, and Opportunities
• Write detailed functional sequence of operations for the packaging systems unit operations
• Review of FEL packages or equivalent for accuracy, completeness, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop order of magnitude estimates to give the business a directional view of the initiative
• Keep current with the latest packaging, automation and robotics technology, commercial applications, industry regulations and codes
• Trouble shoot and monitor continuous improvement of existing packaging operations
• Lead machine design improvements and modifications to new and existing equipment

You Have:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or Packaging Engineering (with emphasis on equipment).
• Engineering Subject Matter Expertise in Packaging Systems Design and Automation.
• Demonstrated capability in developing and implementing automation/robotic solutions
• Packaging Equipment Engineering emphasis is required in addition to practical experience of 10+ years in food manufacturing with frozen and snack food packaging system design a plus.
• Experience providing both tactical and strategic project leadership.
• Machine design and experience working in a USDA environment is a plus
• Proven effectiveness in working collaboratively within a matrix organization.
• This position is located in Omaha NE, Chicago IL, select field locations or remote locations Denver, CO and east and within reasonable proximity (50 miles) to a major airport.
• Travel is variable depending on project timing and averages 50% (predominantly Monday – Friday).

Pay Range: $133,000-$197,000

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.

Anticipated Close Date: November 7, 2025

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

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.