Location: Seattle Support Center (SSC) – Onsite 4 days/week

Duration: 12 months

Hours: Full-time, 40 hrs/week

Start Date: February 2026

End Date: February 2027

Category: R&D / Engineering

Role Overview

The Advisor, Food Safety & Quality – Retail Packaging plays a key role within the Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) organization, supporting the safety, compliance, and performance of Starbucks’ retail packaging portfolio. This role partners closely with packaging engineering, supplier quality, and cross-functional teams to ensure packaging used in retail stores meets the highest standards for product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong packaging technical background, deep materials knowledge, and a passion for translating data and quality signals into actionable insights.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Quality Leadership

Apply in-depth technical expertise across a wide range of packaging materials (e.g., poly‑coated paperboard, PP, PLA, PHA, molded pulp, corrugate, containerboard, utensils, etc.).Analyze product and supplier quality signals, audit findings, customer feedback, and regulatory information to identify trends and escalate issues.Lead investigations and resolution of packaging-related concerns from regulators, retail stores, field QA, and internal teams.

Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration

Act as a key liaison between Packaging Engineering and the Enterprise Specification Management System (ESMS).Partner with domestic and international suppliers to ensure packaging quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.Influence cross-functional partners to drive outcomes within tight timelines.

Compliance, Specifications & Documentation

Support specification management, review technical documentation, and assist with system transitions.Ensure alignment with quality management systems (HACCP, GMPs, ISO, GFSI, BRC).Contribute to the development and improvement of packaging-related quality programs, standards, and processes.Required Qualifications3–5+ years in packaging engineering, materials science, supplier quality, or related fields.Strong technical background in plastics, pulp, and paper materials.Experience with packaging quality systems, product testing, and product safety compliance.Knowledge of Quality Management Systems such as HACCP, GMPs, ISO, GFSI, or BRC.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, and general QMS tools.Ability to interpret and review specifications, drawings, and technical documents.Strong analytical skills with the ability to summarize complex data and provide clear recommendations.Preferred QualificationsDegree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field (preferred but not required).Experience working with packaging engineering teams or product development groups.Demonstrated success in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.Ideal Candidate ProfileStrong communicator—able to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Comfortable digging into data, trends, and customer/field insights.Agile and adaptable with a quick ramp-up time.Collaborative, influential, and able to work effectively with both internal partners and external suppliers.Success in This Role Looks LikeMeeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality work.Effective communication and partnership with cross-functional teams.Strong, consistent management of packaging specifications and quality signals.Positive feedback during regular touchpoints with the manager.Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.