Market Development Engineer – Food Packaging

Job overview

The Market Development Engineer – Food Packaging role is onsite in Pasadena, TX. Compensation is not specified; the posting describes a competitive compensation package with base pay and an annual incentive. The role supports Kuraray America’s development of EVAL applications and sustainable high-barrier packaging solutions. The engineer identifies market opportunities, engages brand owners and value-chain partners, and translates technical expertise into commercialized solutions. The work combines market development, packaging trials, food science, customer-facing technical tools, and cross-functional collaboration to expand adoption across food packaging and selected other applications.

What you'll do

• Research market trends, consumer demands, benchmarks, recycling standards, and sustainability drivers
• engage brand owners to understand packaging needs and constraints
• identify opportunities and influence material selection
• support product introductions with analysis, demonstrations, and presentations
• coordinate extrusion and packaging performance trials
• assess food aging and shelf life
• develop technical reports and customer-facing tools
• collaborate across sales, R&D, sustainability, innovation, and marketing
• travel approximately 30% across North and South America.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

market development engineer

food packaging

eval

packaging technology

sustainability

pasadena tx

kuraray america

full-time

food science

brand owner engagement

travel ~30%

annual incentive

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Healthcare package, wellness reimbursements, three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and matching 401(k).

Why this role

Requires a related bachelor’s degree, at least three years of packaging experience with brand collaboration, packaging-market knowledge, and a valid driver’s license. Travel is approximately 30%; applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer.

About the employer

Kuraray America is hiring for this role. Industry: Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing. Sector: 32.