R&D Packaging Scientist I

Overview

Individual-contributor R&D Packaging Scientist I role in Mumbai supporting packaging development for innovation, renovation, sustainability and margin management across Bakeries, Atta and Food service in Global Emerging Markets (GEMs).

What you'll do

• Deliver assigned packaging development, renovation, sustainability and margin-management tasks and projects from concept through implementation, meeting agreed scope, quality and timing expectations.
• Develop and evaluate packaging materials, structures and components that balance product protection, consumer experience, manufacturability, cost and sustainability, while ensuring packaging meets all relevant regulatory standards and guidelines.
• Plan and execute laboratory testing, prototypes and plant or industrial trials; analyze results, document conclusions and recommend clear next steps.
• Create and maintain accurate packaging specifications and supporting master data, including bills of materials, KLDs, finished-goods specifications, barcodes, PM codes, trial dockets, trial reports and change controls.
• Proactively identify and address technical issues, risks and gaps involving product, packaging, equipment, quality, supply, regulatory compliance and project timing; escalate concerns early and communicate progress, risks and changes clearly and consistently.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners and suppliers on samples, costing, documentation, alternate-vendor development and commercialization; support sustainability initiatives and extended producer responsibility activities on a timely basis.
• Adapt readily to new processes, packaging technologies and ways of working; stay current on relevant technical, regulatory and competitive developments and apply learning to assigned work.
• Manage workload responsibly and prioritize competing tasks.
• Regularly use approved artificial intelligence and digital tools when they add value to analysis, ideation, documentation or quality, using sound judgment about when they do not add value and validating outputs before use.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree (BE, B-Tech) in packaging science or packaging engineering or printing & packaging or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in packaging development, packaging engineering, product development or manufacturing, preferably in the fast-moving consumer goods industry.
• Working knowledge of packaging materials, with experience in flexible laminates, packaging testing, packaging equipment and product-packaging-equipment interactions; able to interpret data and maintain technical specifications and related documentation.
• Strong written and verbal English communication, stakeholder partnership and documentation skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly and consistently.
• Demonstrated ownership, problem-solving, sound judgment, adaptability, workload prioritization and timely follow-through; able to identify and address issues proactively and work safely in laboratory and plant environments.

Nice to have

• Master's degree (PG diploma, M-tech, ME/MS) in packaging science or packaging engineering or printing & packaging or equivalent.
• Experience in flexible laminates, testing methods and packaging machines.
• Experience with dry mixes, flour or similar food portfolios.

Details

• Location: Mumbai, India.
• Applicants must meet minimum age qualifications in the country in which the job is located.