Job Description

A Packaging Engineer job in Paterson, WA is available at Ste Michelle Wine Estates. In this role you will lead technical systems, programs, and initiatives for all SMWE packaging. Key responsibilities include driving supplier and material technical approval, qualification, validation, and performance. The role also supports packaging-related food safety, sustainability, and quality issues.

In addition, the position leads and contributes to SMWE initiatives that support the supply chain, packaging innovations, and quality systems. The successful candidate is a highly motivated self-starter who thrives in an autonomous work environment and consistently demonstrates strong initiative, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the largest wine company in the Pacific Northwest, and among the largest premium wine companies in the U.S, with roots dating back to 1933. Throughout our 90+ year history, what has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to quality, service to our customers, and connection with our community. We are proud that our award-winning wines farmed in Oregon and Washington are an expression of all the best things about the Pacific Northwest — the spirit of people, the abundance of the land, and the excellence-driven culture. Our distinctive portfolio of wines, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Intrinsic, Liquid Light, Northstar, and Spring Valley Vineyard, are enjoyed across the U.S. and distributed in over 100 countries.

Packaging Engineer job responsibilities include:

• Serve as the process owner for the SMWE packaging program, leading the development, maintenance, and governance of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging specifications and size reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver packaging specifications and reports in a timely, controlled, and customer‑friendly format, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance across all packaging workflows.
• Collaborate with bottling line, maintenance, and cross‑functional stakeholders to assess packaging equipment performance and capabilities for existing and new materials, optimizing cost, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and design integrity.
• Support and execute packaging projects, quality initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across materials, technology, and equipment, including testing and validating new packaging solutions to meet quality, OEE, and marketing requirements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and end users to ensure packaging components perform consistently, predictably, and reliably in production environments.
• Manage routing and approval processes for packaging designs, proofs, component specifications, and material specifications, ensuring compliance with alcohol content, design, bottling, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve packaging changes to prevent production holds, rework, delays, or unnecessary costs.
• Provide system integration support for packaging specifications, artwork management, and the Vintage Roll Packaging Data Process, ensuring accurate and consistent data flow across enterprise platforms including JDE‑MRP, Workfront, CAPE, Tops, SMWE VIP Item Catalog, SGWS, and related systems.
• Ensure labeling accuracy and compliance by embedding UPC, SCC, COLA, and TTB requirements within packaging specifications, quality workflows, and system records.

Position Requirements:

• Highschool Diploma/GED equivalent required
• BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Packaging Technology, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Science, or 5+ years of relevant work experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (Food & Beverage preferred)
• Must be at least 21+ years of age
• Valid Drivers License
• System integration experience with packaging design software (TOPS, CAPE, or ArtiosCAD, enterprise or project management platforms a plus.
• High level of proficiency with MS Office and database systems.
• Experience with packaging materials and equipment.
• Certification: IoPP Certified Packaging Professional designation is a plus.
• Technical knowledge regarding glass container, closure performance attributes and equipment is a plus.
• Good project management and organizational skills.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lift up-to 50lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to meet travel requirements estimated at 10-20%.
• History of responsible use of alcohol and other appropriate conduct, as well as fitness to be licensed, permitted, and/or certified by state and/or local regulatory bodies.

Your Compensation:

$80,169.00 - $91,494.00/yr. based upon relevant experience.

At Ste. Michelle Wine Estates we believe in paying our employees equal pay for equal work. Individual offers are made dependent upon a candidate’s prior experience and education level as it pertains to the role.

Benefits of working with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates:

Our Total Rewards programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented, curious people with a passion for innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and growth. We offer leading programs that inspire and reward superior performance and foster an inclusive, diverse, and healthy workforce.

• Health Care Coverage including medical, dental, vision & prescription – eligible on date of hire for full-time employees
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Employee Wine Discounts

Culture at Ste. Michelle:

• We Challenge: We are driven to succeed in everything we do, and we challenge ourselves and our team to perform at the highest level.
• We Care: We put people first – our team, our consumers, our customers, our communities.
• We Collaborate: We believe there is nothing we can’t accomplish – together – and we believe lifting up those around us is essential to achieving both individual and collective success.

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Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information, see the EEOC's " Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law" poster.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a United States Department of Homeland Security website that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Please visit the following website for additional information: https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify/what-is-e-verify