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Food Packaging Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and ...

Reliability Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and ...

Reliability Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and ...

Sr. Coord, Customer Service

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and ...

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety, Quality, and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment, facilities ...

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety, Quality, and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment, facilities ...

Sr. Coord, Customer Service

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and ...

Sr. Coord, Customer Service

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

Each person, regardless of role or position, is responsible for Food Packaging Safety and Quality and GMP. * Report any issue or event that poses a risk to employee safety, the environment and ...

Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict sanitation standards, including GMP, HACCP, and SQF ... Inspect finished packages for seal integrity, accurate labeling, and correct weight. * Continuous ...

Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict sanitation standards, including GMP, HACCP, and SQF ... Inspect finished packages for seal integrity, accurate labeling, and correct weight. * Continuous ...

Food Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict sanitation standards, including GMP, HACCP, and SQF ... Inspect finished packages for seal integrity, accurate labeling, and correct weight. * Continuous ...

Packaging Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$23.18/hr

Richardson is recognized as a global leader in agriculture and food processing and has ... Our Memphis, TN location refines and packages one of the United States' most recognized brands of ...

Packaging Operator

Middleton, TN

$14 - $16.75/hr

The Packaging Operator is responsible for safely operating and monitoring packaging equipment and ... food & beverage. As a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, we are positioned for ...

Packaging Associate 2nd Shift

Dickson, TN

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

JOB SUMMARY: The Packaging Associate reports to the Packaging Supervisor within Crown Bakeries ... Knowledge of food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and Food Defense policies preferred ...

Packaging Associate 3rd Shift

Dickson, TN

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

JOB SUMMARY: The Packaging Associate reports to the Packaging Supervisor within Crown Bakeries ... Knowledge of food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and Food Defense policies preferred ...

Packaging Associate 1st Shift

Dickson, TN

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

JOB SUMMARY: The Packaging Associate reports to the Packaging Supervisor within Crown Bakeries ... Knowledge of food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and Food Defense policies preferred ...

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Food Packaging information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$13

$17

How much do food packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for food packaging in Tennessee is $13.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food packaging?

Food packaging refers to the process and materials used to enclose and protect food products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. It helps maintain food safety and quality by preventing contamination, spoilage, and damage during transportation. Food packaging can also provide important information such as nutritional facts, ingredients, and expiration dates, and it often plays a role in marketing by making products attractive to consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food packaging?

To thrive in Food Packaging, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of food safety and hygiene, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and sometimes food safety certifications like HACCP are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure products are packaged safely and efficiently, maintaining quality standards and meeting production targets.

What are some common challenges faced in a food packaging role, and how can I prepare for them?

Food packaging roles often involve working in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and adherence to safety and hygiene standards are crucial. Common challenges include maintaining quality control under time pressure, handling repetitive tasks while avoiding errors, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. To prepare, familiarize yourself with basic food safety protocols, practice good organizational skills, and be ready to work collaboratively with team members to meet production targets. Demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to quality can help you succeed and advance in this field.

What is the difference between Food Packaging vs Food Processing?

AspectFood PackagingFood Processing
CredentialsCertifications in packaging technology, safety standardsFood safety certifications, HACCP, GMP
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, packaging linesProcessing facilities, production lines
Industry UsagePackaging companies, food brandsFood manufacturers, processing plants

Food Packaging focuses on designing, producing, and handling packaging materials to protect and promote food products. Food Processing involves transforming raw ingredients into finished food items through various techniques. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in their primary functions and work environments.

What does a food packaging do?

A food packaging worker is responsible for preparing, filling, sealing, and labeling food products to ensure they are safe and meet quality standards. They operate packaging machinery, follow safety protocols, and may inspect products for defects. Attention to detail and knowledge of hygiene regulations are important in this role.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Packaging jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Packaging job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Packaging job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,673 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Senior Engineer II, Packaging

Great Lakes Cheese

Manchester, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Great Lakes Cheese rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Overview

The Senior Engineer II, Packaging will support all aspects of packaging material and equipment.  The Engineer will interact with GLC departments as well as customers, vendors and co-packers while executing packaging projects from concept design through implementation.

Job Responsibilities
  • Coordinates and executes changes in packaging materials to maximize operating line speeds and efficiencies while reducing costs.
  • Work collaboratively with procurement on vendor selection and drive the qualification process while ensuring new materials comply with GLC standards and expectations.
  • Evaluate, research, and develop new/alternate materials, process methods, equipment, and technologies.
  • Set up and/or design new products/packages for customers and producing plants. 
  • Apply operating guidelines and parameters for all packaging run conditions. 
  • Improve and implement plant efficiencies through equipment automation.
  • Standardize and manage specifications and procedures relating to packaging and machinery applications to optimize finished product quality and performance.
  • Provide solutions for daily issues related to packaging, supplies, costing materials & labor.
  • Collaborate with the Sales & Marketing teams to lead feasibility studies for new products.
  • Support GLC Packaging Circularity initiatives by facilitating trials on packaging materials changes involving reducing packaging, reusable packaging and/or compostable packaging.
  • Maintain and continually improve quality and accuracy of GLC Packaging Specification System.
  • Coordinate capital projects from concept to implementation through GLC Capital Process.
  • All GLC employees are expected to perform any assignment or job task according to the stated safety policies and procedures.
  • All GLC employees are expected to produce our products in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectation of our customers and consumers by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices,
  • Policies and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging or Mechanical or similar Engineering field
  • 2 years of packaging engineering experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communications.
  • Knowledge of food packaging. 
  • Ability to communicate with packaging material suppliers, packaging equipment manufacturers, and co-packers.  
  • 50% of travel.
  • Must be able to work now or in the future without corporate sponsorship. 
Preferred Education and Experience
  • 2-4 years or more of packaging experience in the CPG packaging field. 
  • Experience in package commercialization.
  • Experience in attending customer visits to support the sales/marketing team. 
  • Experience in the food/dairy industry.
  • Experience with Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging, MAP equipment, Corrugated Packaging, Sustainability.
  • SAP experience.
Working Conditions
Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35F to 100F; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.
Work is mainly performed in an office setting, with some time spent in a manufacturing environment
EEOC & Disclaimer
Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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