PACKAGING ENGINEER SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Packaging Engineer designs, tests, and implements packaging designs that are an integral part of the organization’s Product Development process. They also review and improve existing packaging designs.

This individual develops, designs, and tests standards and guidelines for developing packaging solutions for the organization’s products. They work with internal resources and packaging suppliers to achieve functional packaging goals.

PACKAGING ENGINEER ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee and manage complete packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing.
Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving designs, materials and processes and provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions.
Analyze engineering drawings and specifications of product to determine physical characteristics of item, special handling, environmental and safety requirements, and types of materials required for packaging.
Establish standards and guidelines for supplier evaluation. Evaluate and select packaging suppliers/vendors; periodically conduct vendor reviews.
Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Work closely with global suppliers, engineering, product management, operations, and sourcing.
Participate in product introduction teams, to deliver new products to market.
Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage.
Work closely with Engineering to optimize packaging supply base for cost, lead time, quality, regionalization, standardization, supply assurance, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
Specify and recommend efficiency tools and test methods to develop and validate packaging designs.
Work with the manufacturing department to insure that the packaging designs are optimized for manufacturability.
Develop and implement comprehensive test plans to ensure that packaging exceeds customer specifications.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Engineering Manager. Works in conjunction with the Art, Marketing, Sales, and Engineering departments.

PACKAGING ENGINEER QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or packaging engineering is required. Must have 5+ years of experience in industrial or consumer packaging. Knowledge and understanding of packaging design validation standards (ISO, ASTM, etc.), drafting and specification standards is essential. Demonstrable proficiency in 3D CAD software is needed.

Problem solving and decision making skills are necessary. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Must have good communication skills, orally and in writing. Understanding of process improvement, quality improvement concepts is needed; ISO 9001 certification (e.g., CQA, CQE, CQIA) is desirable. Should have experience in rapid prototyping. Must be able to demonstrate project management skills and experience; project management certification a plus.

PACKAGING ENGINEER PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to communicate orally with customers, management, and coworkers is crucial. Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential. Sitting for extended periods is common. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is helpful for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information and to prepare or inspect documents.

No heavy lifting is expected. Exertion of up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally may be required. Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer terminals, calculator, copiers, and FAX machines.

Good reasoning ability is required to solve a wide range of business problems. Able to apply statistical calculations, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, and sampling theory as well as algebra, linear equations, and other analytics as required. Able to understand and utilize management reports and plans to conduct business.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is performed indoors in a traditional office setting. Activities include extended periods of sitting and extensive work at a computer monitor.