Packaging R&I Engineer

Sint-Denijs-Westrem (Gent, BE)

Investigación e Innovación

Jornada completa

Contrato indefinido

Pull up a chair.

We always have a place at the table for new talent, so won't you join us? Our name, What's Cooking?, is followed by a question mark because we are always curious and open to new ideas. So yes, we are also curious to learn more about you.

Are you just as open-minded and enterprising as we are? In that case, we look forward to getting to know you/meeting you.

Aplica ahora

Packaging R&I Engineer

As Packaging Research and Innovation Engineer, you will be responsible for the development, optimization and industrial implementation of packaging solutions for chilled, frozen and ambient ready-to-heat meals (MAP trays, lidding films, sleeves, cartons, labels, etc.).

You will:

• Support product renovation and innovation projects by developing and validating packaging solutions that ensure food safety, shelf life, convenience and cost competitiveness
• Drive the sustainable packaging roadmap, ensuring compliance with EU food contact legislation, migration requirements and evolving regulations (e.g. PPWR, EPR)
• Optimize packaging materials and sealing processes to guarantee stable performance on high-speed packaging lines
• Strengthen business continuity by qualifying multiple suppliers and robust packaging alternatives
• Act as a key technical partner for Manufacturing, QA, Regulatory, Procurement, Engineering and Marketing & Sales
• Coordinate and execute packaging trials: line performance, shelf-life testing, seal integrity, transport tests, easy-opening and usability
• Troubleshoot packaging issues on tray sealers, flow wrappers, boxing and palletisation lines, and implement corrective actions
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and technology partners to secure innovation and supply continuity
• Share packaging expertise and regulatory updates across the group

Who are you?

• You have a Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Food Technology or a related field
• You bring 3–5 years of experience in packaging development, preferably in food or FMCG
• You have strong knowledge of packaging materials, sealing technologies and EU food contact legislation
• You are comfortable working in a multinational, cross-functional environment
• You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• You take ownership, structure complex projects, and make data-driven decisions
• You enjoy being close to production and turning ideas into industrial reality
• You care about sustainability, food quality and continuous improvement

What do we offer?

• A key role in shaping the future of sustainable food packaging
• End-to-end ownership of impactful, international packaging projects
• Close collaboration with passionate experts across R&I, operations and supply chain
• A dynamic, hands-on environment where innovation meets industrial excellence
• The opportunity to grow your expertise and influence within the What's Cooking? Group

Who's What's Cooking Group?

We are a colourful family of food lovers who are eager to satisfy the appetite for conscious, daily meals. Being an innovative food group, we help people serve simple and tasty meals, like lasagne, pasta, pizza, world cuisine, plant-based and regional dishes. You may already know us from Come a casa, but we also provide food services to professionals, including hotels or restaurants.

For the past 75 years, we have looked at ways of making sustainable consumption a natural daily choice by serving simple and tasty food, prepared with attention to people and planet. We do this with our workforce of 1,650 colleagues, in our Belgian head office, our six industrial plants in Belgium, France, Poland and the UK, and our 5 sales offices.