Packaging Engineer

Job Summary:

You will be responsible for selecting appropriate packaging materials and developing packaging designs to minimize waste, reduce costs and ensure product safety during transportation and storage. You will also create packaging prototypes and conduct testing to meet the required specifications. You will be required to work closely with different teams across the company to make packaging solutions efficient, sustainable and cost-effective.

Essential Functions:

• Design and Development: Create innovative and attractive packaging designs for various products, considering factors like product protection, brand appeal, and user experience.
• Material Selection: Research and select appropriate packaging materials that meet technical specifications, cost targets, and sustainability goals.
• Testing and Validation: Develop and conduct testing protocols to validate packaging integrity and performance under various conditions, such as distribution, temperature control, and shelf life.
• Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams, including product engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, and graphic design, to align packaging strategies with project goals.
• Cost Optimization: Identify opportunities to reduce packaging costs while maintaining product quality and efficiency.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Implement sustainable packaging solutions to reduce waste and meet environmental standards.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed specifications for packaging materials and processes, including technical drawings and quality documentation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all packaging designs and materials comply with industry regulations and standards, which is particularly important in industries like pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges in packaging design and performance.
• Communication: Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with diverse teams and suppliers.
• Industry Knowledge: Awareness of industry trends, regulations, sustainability best practices, and quality standards.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for creating detailed models and drawings.
• Bachelor’s degree in product designing, packaging or related engineering fields.
• 10+ years of experience in packaging design and development.
• Strong knowledge of packaging technology, materials and design principles with knowledge of testing methods, regulations and standards for packaging.
• Familiarity with production equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Strong creativity skills for developing unique packaging solutions using current trends.

Required Attributes

• Experienced in fresh food production, perishable or short shelf-life supply chains preferred.
• Budget development, cost and performance management expertise to drive results to meet company and department financial goals and objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, leadership, team building and analytical skills.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel and/or other spreadsheet software.
• Must have the ability to make quick decisions and work under short timelines.
• Strong in multi-tasking and being a change agent for the business.
• Flexible to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate.
• Maintain regular and acceptable attendance, follow directions, interact well with co-workers, understand and follow posted work rules/procedures and accept constructive criticism.