---
title: 'Packaging Engineering Lead at J&J Snack Foods'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/packaging-engineering-lead-j-j-snack-foods-la-vergne-27qkv1qxea43'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-04'
---

# Packaging Engineering Lead at J&J Snack Foods

- **Company:** J&J Snack Foods
- **Location:** La Vergne, TN
- **Posted:** 2026-10-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-04
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/jjsnackfoods/jobs/5468072008

## Job description

As a leader and innovator in the snack food industry for over 50 years, J&J Snack Foods provides branded snack foods to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets across the U.S. Its products include such icons as SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and Dippin’ Dots along with other key brands like LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, The Funnel Cake Factory Funnel Cakes, and Hola Churros. J&J also has a strong presence in bakery providing cakes, cookies, and pies to some of the largest grocery and convenience retailers in industry. Our company continues to deliver record sales led by a talented team and a commitment to “Fun Served Here”.

## POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the VP of Engineering, the Packaging Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the development, commercialization, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems for the company’s portfolio of pretzels, churros, cookies, and other food products across retail, club, e-commerce, and foodservice channels. Operating in a fast-paced consumer packaged goods environment, this role partners closely with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, sustainable, and automation-ready packaging solutions. These solutions must protect product quality, support shelf-life requirements, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the consumer experience.

## ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Provides technical expertise and partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to design and develop packaging systems, including flow wrapping, vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS), case and carton forming, case packing, and palletizing systems.
- Plans, designs, tests, and validates new packaging processes while continuously improving and optimizing existing processes.
- Designs packaging line processes that support current packaging matrix requirements while allowing flexibility for future products and packaging formats.
- Researches and evaluates emerging packaging technologies, equipment, formats, and innovations.
- Identifies opportunities for automation and prepare capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, including return-on-investment analyses, for new equipment and packaging line modifications.
- Initiates requests for quotation (RFQs) and collaborates with Product Development teams to establish equipment specifications, operating parameters, and performance requirements.
- Partners with equipment vendors, corporate project managers, and operations teams to support packaging equipment installation, startup, and successful commissioning.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that increase equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance.
- Leads root cause analysis investigations for recurring equipment or process issues and develop and implement effective corrective actions.
- Identifies cost-reduction opportunities and develop business plans to achieve and sustain the associated savings.
- Manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, providing clear status updates, technical recommendations, and risk assessments to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Performs other duties and special projects assigned by the VP of Engineering.

## COMPETENCIES:

To succeed in this role, the Packaging Engineering Lead must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required:

- Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, schedule management, vendor coordination, and cost control.
- Ability to develop and clearly present business cases, including ROI analyses and capital expenditure justifications.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including Operations, Quality, Engineering, and senior leadership.
- Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to others.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing deadlines.

Pay from: $120,000 - (or more, based on experience and education)

## EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Experience commercializing packaging across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Knowledge of secondary packaging equipment and formats.
- Experience designing packaging for automated, high-speed lines.
- Proficiency with CAD software.
- Knowledge of OEE metrics and packaging line optimization.
- Experience leading capital projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.

## TRAVEL:

This position is based in on site in our Support Center in La Vergne, TN (about 25 miles southeast of Nashville, TN).

Domestic and international travel is required to support projects and initiatives, with an expected travel commitment of approximately 25%, depending on business needs.

## #LI-BM1

Disclaimer: This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement: J&J Snack Foods Corp.is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions against, and treatment of, employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, alienage, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition or characteristics, disability or veteran's status, sex offenses, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking and unemployment status.

## About J&J Snack Foods

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: J&J Snack Foods manufactures and distributes iconic branded snack foods, frozen novelties, and frozen beverages across foodservice and retail markets in the United States.
- **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: JJSF)
- **Headquarters**: Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, USA
- **Founded**: 1971 (incorporated in New Jersey)
- **Founders**: Gerald B. Shreiber (purchased the ailing J&J Pretzel Company at a bankruptcy auction for $72,100)

## Core Business
- Primary industry/industries: Snack food manufacturing and distribution; frozen beverages
- Target customers: B2B primarily (foodservice operators), with a significant B2C presence via retail supermarkets. Key channels include stadiums, theme parks, movie theatres, convenience stores, schools, and warehouse clubs.
- Mission or purpose statement: "Good Fun, Good for the Planet" — dedicated to responsibly serving fun while reducing environmental impact.

## Products & Services
- **SUPERPRETZEL**: The leading soft pretzel brand in the U.S., sold to both foodservice and retail. (Manufactured product)
- **ICEE**: A market-leading frozen carbonated beverage brand sold in c-stores, theatres, and stadiums. (Manufactured product & beverage system)
- **DIPPIN' DOTS**: Nationally known flash-frozen ice cream beads, acquired in 2022. (Manufactured product)
- **LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice**: Popular frozen novelty sold in retail supermarkets. (Manufactured product)
- **SLUSH PUPPIE**: Non-carbonated frozen beverage brand. (Manufactured product & beverage system)
- **Other Brands**: WHOLE FRUIT, DOGSTERS, ¡HOLA! Churros, THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY, MARY B’s Biscuits, COUNTRY HOME Bakers, READI-BAKE, and more. (Manufactured products)
- **Contract Manufacturing**: The company also produces products for private label and contract packing, leveraging its extensive manufacturing network. (Service)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not provided directly, but as of July 2026, JJSF is a publicly traded mid-cap company.
- **Key Metric (Annual Revenue)**: $1,574,755,000 (Fiscal Year 2024) — a record year for sales. Net income was $117.5M.
- **Operating Income**: $117,545,000 (Fiscal Year 2024).
- **Financial Health**: The company ended FY2024 with zero debt and $210+ million available on its revolving credit facility [jjsnack.com](https://www.jjsnack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Website-PDF_-EBookV1_368051_Annaul.pdf).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Public shareholders. Key strategic partners are major QSR chains, theme parks (e.g., Six Flags, Disney), movie theatre chains, and national retailers (Walmart, Costco).
- **Growth Signals**: Record sales in FY2024 despite consumer spending pressure. Growth driven by core product placements, innovation, and new customer wins. Operates in 43 states with ~4,700 employees.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Brand Powerhouse**: Owns a portfolio of iconic, highly recognizable brands (SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, DIPPIN' DOTS) that are often the #1 or only choice in their respective categories.
- **Unmatched Distribution**: Products are sold everywhere consumers gather for fun: stadiums, theme parks, movie theatres, schools, and major retailers, creating high barriers to entry via deep channel relationships.
- **Vertical Integration of Beverage Systems**: For ICEE and SLUSH PUPPIE, they provide not just the syrup but the equipment and maintenance service, creating a sticky, recurring revenue model.
- **Strong Balance Sheet & Cash Flow**: Zero net debt and a strong free cash flow profile allow for continued acquisition of new brands (e.g., Dippin' Dots, Funnel Cake Factory) and internal investment.

## Strategic Focus
- **5 Core Strategies (as of FY2024)**: 1) Grow and Protect Brands, 2) Dominate Core Categories, 3) Cross-Sell the Portfolio (putting more brands into existing channels), 4) Invest in the Future (manufacturing, systems, distribution), and 5) Embrace the Culture.
- **Expansion**: Building on the Dippin' Dots acquisition, expanding into the frozen ice cream category and leveraging the brand's existing retail and foodservice presence.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: The company describes itself as having a "family" culture that shies away from the corporate world, emphasizing long tenures (many employees with 10+ years, some over 20). [jjsnack.com](https://www.jjsnack.com/careers/)
- **Environment**: Locations in 43 states, from corporate offices in Mt. Laurel, NJ, to manufacturing facilities across the country. A mix of corporate and blue-collar manufacturing roles.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive package including medical/dental/vision, 401k with match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), tuition reimbursement (Nathan Shreiber Scholarship Fund), paid holidays and vacation, wellness discounts, and an Employee Assistance Program. [jjsnack.com](https://www.jjsnack.com/careers/)
- **Notable Perks**: "The Nathan Shreiber Scholarship Fund" provides tuition reimbursement for employees, and the ESPP allows employees to buy company stock at a discount.
- **Remote/Hybrid/Office**: Not explicitly stated, but the corporate headquarters in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and multiple regional facilities suggest a primarily on-site or hybrid model depending on role.

## Sources
1. [jjsnack.com (Overview)](https://www.jjsnack.com/)
2. [jjsnack.com (Careers)](https://www.jjsnack.com/careers/)
3. [jjsnack.com (About Page)](https://www.jjsnack.com/about/)
4. [jjsnack.com (FY2024 Annual Report)](https://www.jjsnack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Website-PDF_-EBookV1_368051_Annaul.pdf)
5. [Greenhouse (Job Board)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/jjsnackfoods)

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