What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Engineer position at IFab Corporation?
We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Packaging Engineer to join our team in the metal manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and optimizing packaging solutions for metal products to ensure they are safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively transported and stored. As a Packaging Engineer, you will work closely with production, logistics, and design teams to develop packaging systems that meet both customer requirements and regulatory standards, while minimizing waste and packaging costs.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Physical Requirements:
Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a manufacturing environment, where the Packaging Engineer will collaborate with various departments, including production, logistics, and procurement. The role may involve time spent in office settings for design work and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Packaging Design and Development: Design, develop, and optimize packaging solutions for metal products, including components, assemblies, and finished goods, ensuring protection during transport and storage.
- Material Selection: Identify and select appropriate packaging materials (e.g., corrugated cardboard, foam, shrink wrap, wooden crates, metal bands) based on product type, shipping conditions, and cost-effectiveness. Ensure that materials are sustainable and compliant with industry standards.
- Cost Optimization: Evaluate and implement cost-effective packaging solutions without compromising product integrity. Work to reduce overall packaging costs by improving materials, processes, and logistics.
- Supply Chain Collaboration: Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and production teams to align packaging solutions with production schedules and shipping requirements. Ensure packaging is optimized for efficient warehousing and transportation.
- Prototype and Testing: Develop prototypes of new packaging designs and conduct tests (e.g., drop tests, vibration tests, compression tests) to ensure durability and effectiveness. Evaluate the performance of packaging designs under various shipping conditions.
- Packaging Process Improvement: Identify areas for improvement in existing packaging processes. Implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the overall safety and quality of packaging.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure packaging designs comply with relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines. Keep up-to-date with packaging industry trends and environmental regulations.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Promote and implement sustainable packaging solutions, such as recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials, and seek ways to reduce packaging waste in the manufacturing process.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of packaging designs, materials, and testing results. Prepare reports and documentation related to packaging specifications, costs, and efficiency improvements.
- Training and Support: Provide guidance and training to production staff and other stakeholders on packaging best practices, equipment operation, and safety procedures. Support the production team in implementing new packaging solutions.
- Collaboration with Engineering Teams: Work closely with design engineers and product development teams to ensure packaging solutions meet product-specific needs, such as strength, protection, and ease of handling during production and shipping.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in a metal manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, design principles, and packaging machinery used in the metal manufacturing industry.
- Experience with packaging testing methods and equipment (e.g., vibration, compression, drop tests).
- Familiarity with sustainability practices and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards related to packaging and shipping, such as ISTA, ASTM, or international shipping guidelines.
- Proficiency in CAD or packaging design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify packaging issues and develop practical solutions.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, work within deadlines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement packaging solutions.
- Attention to Detail: Excellent attention to detail, ensuring that packaging designs meet quality, safety, and cost standards.
- Creativity: Ability to think creatively and innovatively when designing packaging solutions for complex or custom metal products.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with packaging automation or the use of packaging machinery.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles as applied to packaging optimization.
- Familiarity with packaging supply chain management and logistics processes.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may involve exposure to machinery, industrial noise, and handling of heavy or bulky packaging materials.
Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a manufacturing environment, where the Packaging Engineer will collaborate with various departments, including production, logistics, and procurement. The role may involve time spent in office settings for design work and reporting.
