Director, Packaging Technology (Filling & Blow Molding)

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.
With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.
A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.
To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.
job purpose:
The Director of Packaging Technology – Filler & Blow Molding will be responsible for leading all engineering and technical aspects of packaging equipment across multiple facilities, with a specific focus on low-acid aseptic bottle blowing and filling. This includes supporting the procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment, as well as driving continuous improvement initiatives for existing operations. The ideal candidate is an accomplished engineering leader with a strong background in low-acid aseptic manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and advanced packaging technologies.
responsibilities:
Provide strategic & technical leadership for packaging systems within a high-speed low-acid aseptic manufacturing environment, specifically targeting bottle blowing, filling, packaging equipment, materials, and related technologies.
Lead packaging design strategy for new facilities, expansions, and capital projects, ensuring scalable, standardized, and business-aligned solutions.
Develop packaging concepts, equipment requirements, and capability roadmaps supporting current and future manufacturing needs.
Establish and maintain packaging engineering standards, specifications, and governance across projects, facilities, and suppliers.
Serve as the technical authority for packaging system design, ensuring compliance with standards, regulatory requirements, food safety, and aseptic processing needs.
Own packaging system design through execution, supporting procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, startup, and operational handoff.
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and Project Management to deliver effective packaging solutions.
Develop URS documents, technical specifications, bid packages, and lead supplier evaluations, design reviews, and equipment selection.
Support capital project execution by managing technical risk, equipment integration, validation, acceptance criteria, and performance requirements.
Drive continuous improvement through operational data, root-cause analysis, lessons learned, and adoption of emerging packaging technologies.
Build organizational packaging expertise through standards, training, technical resources, and strategic supplier partnerships.
Provide senior-level technical leadership, ensuring alignment on packaging strategy, design decisions, risks, and project goals across the organization.
skills/qualifications required:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline required.
10+ years of experience in engineering, maintenance, or operations leadership roles within the food & beverage or manufacturing sector.
Extensive hands-on experience with low-acid aseptic bottling processes and blow molding equipment is required.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional projects, including procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation of high-speed packaging equipment.
In-depth knowledge of aseptic filling technologies, blow molding equipment, and relevant regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, etc.).
Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Familiarity with validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ), sanitary design, clean-in-place (CIP), and sterilization-in-place (SIP) procedures.
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, engineering analysis tools, and maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs and manage performance.
Working knowledge of information technology and information systems such as ERP, MRP, MES, SCADA and business analytics.
Knowledge of packaging automation, signal exchange, robotics, and autonomous guided vehicles.
Proficiency in packaging materials (PET, PE, sleeves, paperboard, corrugate, and plastic films).
how fairlife nourishes you:
At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
Learning & development p