Protein Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Company:
David creates tools to increase muscle and decrease fat. Our first product is a protein bar. More broadly, David is a platform to develop high-protein, low-calorie, blood-sugar-friendly foods that are craveable.

This is a rare opportunity to join a breakout food brand at a pivotal stage of growth. Led by CEO Peter Rahal, Cofounder and Former CEO of RXBAR, David is working to become the leading consumer food brand focused on high-protein foods in North America and beyond.
The Role:

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to support the development, execution, and continuous improvement of packaging across our product portfolio.

As we scale across retail, e-commerce, and new product categories, packaging is a critical lever - impacting product performance, customer experience, and cost. This role will focus on owning day-to-day packaging execution, working closely with co-manufacturers and suppliers, and helping build scalable systems and processes over time.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Packaging Development & Execution

• Support development and optimization of packaging across formats including flexible film, cartons, corrugated cases, and D2C packaging
• Own dieline updates, version control, and packaging specifications to ensure accuracy and alignment across teams
• Partner with Creative to ensure packaging structures align with artwork, print requirements, and brand standards
• Assist in validating packaging performance on production lines and during transit

2. Co-Manufacturer & Supplier Coordination

• Act as a key point of contact with co-manufacturers on packaging-related execution and troubleshooting
• Coordinate with OEM equipment partners to support packaging performance on flowrappers, cartoners, and related equipment
• Help identify and resolve packaging-related production issues impacting throughput, yield, or quality
• Manage communication with packaging suppliers on timelines, specs, and sample development

3. Materials & Structural Engineering Support

• Assist in evaluating materials and structures across flexible film, cartons, and corrugated formats
• Support testing initiatives including drop tests, transit testing, and packaging validation
• Help ensure packaging is right-sized, cost-efficient, and compatible with manufacturing processes
• Maintain accurate records of packaging specs, materials, and performance data

4. D2C & Cold Chain Packaging

• Support development and execution of D2C packaging for frozen and perishable products
• Assist in coordinating cold chain testing, including shipper performance and insulation specifications
• Work cross-functionally with logistics and fulfillment teams to ensure packaging performs reliably in transit
• Help track performance and identify opportunities to improve customer experience

5. Supplier Management & Continuous Improvement

• Support supplier sourcing efforts, including gathering quotes, samples, and timelines
• Help maintain supplier documentation, pricing data, and specifications
• Identify opportunities for material efficiency, cost savings, and process improvements
• Contribute to building a more scalable and resilient packaging supply base over time

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering within CPG, food, or manufacturing environments
• Experience working with flexible film, folding cartons, and corrugated packaging formats
• Familiarity with co-manufacturing environments and how packaging performs on production lines
• Exposure to packaging equipment (e.g., flowwrappers, cartoners) is a plus
• Experience with structural design tools and strong attention to detail in specifications and version control
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and work cross-functionally with suppliers and internal teams
• Self-starter comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Interest in growing into a more senior technical or leadership role

Benefits

Full-time role

• Salary: $110,000 - $140,000 per year, inclusive of cash bonus based on attainment of company targets
• Company equity opportunity
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• 401(k) with 4% match
• Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses
• Substantial and required PTO