Associate Packaging Engineer

WHO WE ARE We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, Popwell and MIXT. When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company. Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with ⁠ benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them.  WHAT YOU'LL DO As an Associate Packaging Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the research, development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions for products within the organization. We are passionate about sustainability, creativity, and excellence in everything we do. We are currently seeking a motivated and talented Associate Packaging Engineer to join our dynamic team and contribute to our packaging development and improvement efforts.   Here, you’ll drive, leveraging your technical knowledge of packaging material and packaging process, to commercialize products across our co-pack network.   Reports to: Sr. Manager, Quality Design Direct Reports: N/A Location: On-Site at our Preston, WA office 4+ days a week *While we strive to offer flexibility, this role also requires it. There may be times when you're expected to come onsite outside your typical in-office days to support special projects, team events, or other business needs. Annual Bonus Potential: 7% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets. Base Salary: $92,000 - $110,000 (depending on experience) Note : New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. Maintain and update packaging specifications for all package formats (cans, PET, cartons, corrugate trays, wraps, multi-packs, etc.), including dimensions, materials, tolerances, and performance requirements. Review and approve engineering drawings, material dielines, and specification sheets in alignment with brand, regulatory, and co-manufacturer requirements. Support new product development (NPD) and packaging renovation projects by translating design intent into manufacturable specifications. Maintain active technical relationships with packaging material suppliers, facilitating specification alignment and problem resolution. Serve as the day-to-day technical point of contact for packaging-related inquiries from internal and external parties, including co-manufacturers, providing guidance on specification interpretation and issue resolution. Conduct on-site line assessments and trials at co-manufacturer facilities to evaluate packaging runability, identify sources of downtime or defects, and develop improvement plans. Contribute to the development and revision of internal standards, SOPs, work instructions, and test methods related to packaging quality. Identify and champion cost-reduction and sustainability improvement opportunities within the packaging portfolio without compromising quality or performance. Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues. Complete other responsibilities as assigned. We create connections with every sip. And we’ve found a lot of value in in-person connections! As a young, fast-growing company, we’re still creating and refining the systems that will fuel our future growth. Onsite presence is beyond collaboration, and here is why onsite presence matters: Accelerates process building  - Being onsite lets teams test, adjust, and lock in new processes in real time, partnering closely with Sourcing & Procurement, Research & Development, and Creative teams to ensure they are efficient and scalable.  Speeds decision-making  – Having the right people in the same room means questions get answered and roadblocks get cleared instantly, which is critical when building for scale and aligning priorities across Supply Chain, Research & Development, and Brand departments.  Strengthens cross-functional execution  – Many of our initiatives cut across departments. Onsite presence ensures Sourcing & Procurement, Research & Development, and Creative teams, along with others, ensures the right voices are at the table at the right time to align on next steps.  Reinforces culture and shared accountability  – Working side-by-side fosters trust, shared ownership, and a stronger connection to our mission. WHAT YOU BRING 2+ years of packaging engineering experience, ideally in Consumer-Packaged Goods. Familiarity with beverage packaging formats and filling/sealing technologies (e.g., canning lines, PET filling, secondary and tertiary packaging) is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience. This role is safety-sensitive. This means that you'll be regularly responsible for your own safety and/or the safety of others (e.g., driving on behalf of the company, working in a warehouse or plant environment). Ability to read and generate insights from engineering drawings and raw material documentation. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel). Proficiency in using software tools for packaging design and analysis. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical findings for both engineering and non-technical audiences. Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for collaboration with cross-functional teams and external suppliers. Passion for sustainability practices and trends in packaging is advantageous. Knowledge of