Sr Principal Packaging Engineer

We are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Principal Development Engineer to lead packaging innovation and qualification within our US Beverage Refreshments Packaging R&D team, with a specialized focus on injection molded bottle and cap technologies. This role is ideal for a candidate with 20+ years of hands-on expertise in injection molding, tooling, resin selection, and commercialization of rigid packaging formats. The successful candidate will drive the development of sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions that align with our corporate consumer and sustainability goals and deliver exceptional consumer experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end development of injection molded bottles and closures, including material selection, tooling design, performance validation, and supplier engagement.
• Serve as the technical authority on injection molding processes, mold design optimization, and resin behavior under manufacturing conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure packaging solutions meet functional, aesthetic, and sustainability targets.
• Drive innovation in rigid packaging formats, identifying and evaluating new materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods.
• Manage technical timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation plans across multiple packaging programs.
• Oversee lab testing, plant trials, and qualification protocols for injection molded components.
• Define and lead packaging blow molding qualification plans, including success criteria and validation metrics.
• Translate business needs into technical packaging solutions, supporting ideation through to commercialization.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, manufacturing sites, and external suppliers and mold makers.
• Ensure packaging programs support broader business strategies and deliver measurable financial and sustainability impact.

• Salary Range: $130,700- $200,000 / year.
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related materials-based discipline.
• 20+ years of experience in packaging development with a deep focus on injection molded technology, preferably within the food & beverage or consumer goods industry.
• Proven track record of successful commercialization of rigid packaging systems, including ISBM, compression molding, and hot runner tooling.
• Expertise in polymer science, mold flow analysis, and packaging performance testing.
• Experience with sustainability-driven packaging innovation, including lightweighting, recyclability, and alternative resins.
• Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers.

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it!

Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us?

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~29,000 employees to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.