Engineer - Packaging

American Vanguard was founded in 1969 and is a $600M diversified agricultural and specialty products company focusing on crop protection, turf and ornamental markets, and public health applications.    

American Vanguard has four primary multi-product chemical manufacturing facilities in the USA. In addition, the Company operates three biological manufacturing plants (in the USA, Mexico and India). Our manufacturing facilities operate batch processing systems and synthesize chemicals and formulate those products into finished goods. The Company markets its product lines in the USA and internationally in 24 countries to support crop health and growth. 

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer with chemical packaging experience to ensure products are packaged in a way that meets regulatory requirements, protects the product during transportation, and enhances the consumer’s experience.  The Packaging Engineer will directly support and maintain packaging equipment to ensure safety compliance, improve process performance, and enhance operational efficiency in our chemical production facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Packaging Selection & Testing – Responsible for developing and implementing packaging solutions that provide product protection and help to reduce costs associated with waste, transportation, and inventory management. Testing packaging to ensure it can withstand various conditions, such as temperature changes, transportation, and storage. Developing prototypes and conducting tests to assess the functionality and durability of new packaging designs. Ensuring that all packaging meets regulatory and industry standards.
• Equipment Performance & Capital Execution – Provide day to day support on existing packaging / labeling processes and equipment. Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Lead and execute packaging / labeling related projects including selection, design, fabrication, development, installation, validation and qualification of packaging / labeling equipment and software. Advise stakeholders on efficient packing procedures, innovations in packaging materials, and utilization of sealing and fastening devices. Participate in the capital planning and execution process to ensure the performance of packaging systems used within our facilities.
• Team Collaboration – Work frequently with multi-disciplinary teams consisting of operations, maintenance, and instrumentation technicians to troubleshoot daily production issues, resolve long term stability issues, and establish work procedures to sustain packaging performance. Foster cross-functional partnerships with other departments such as marketing, technology, quality control, and regulatory to create packaging that meets customer expectations, product specifications, and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain good working relationships with equipment and packaging suppliers.
• Documentation – Develop and maintain packaging documentation, such as packaging specifications, package test reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Modify Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID’s) reflective of the current state of packaging at the facility.  Conduct equipment specific training as required. 
• Continuous Improvement – Maintain high awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry and incorporate into designs when appropriate. Research and analyze new materials and packaging solutions. Identify areas for improvement in packaging solutions. Maintain and follow QMS and MOC requirements; including but not limited to understanding of change control, validation, documentation practices, and design control requirements. Lead and participate in root cause failure analysis to drive both preventive and corrective actions.
  
  

Education Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging, Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering field from an accredited institution or equivalent experience in a packaging engineer role 

Experience Requirements:

• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience in a chemical plant or manufacturing environment in a regulated industry
• Experience in designing, specifying, assembling, and validating packaging / labeling equipment, processes 
• Familiar with packaging specific software for design and cost analysis
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, including plastics, metals, and paper
• Knowledge of packaging machinery and processes
• Experience with design software, such as CAD or other design software
• Awareness of environmental regulations and sustainable packaging design
• Knowledge of Department of Transportation regulations and requirements for interstate and global transport
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required; Smartsheet experience a plus
• Lean manufacturing and/or continuous improvement methodology experience is preferred
• Must be able to pass a background check and other tests as required

Travel Requirements: This position requires up to 25% travel within North America

Benefits

• Industry leading Medical, Dental, and Vision care for employees and their families
• Life and Disability Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchasing Plan offered
• Additional benefits include Vacation & Holiday time off as well as a Wellness program  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE: AVD)