Principal Packaging Engineer

We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prebiotics/probiotics in enjoyable forms such as gummies, lozenges and chews. With over 50 years of excellence, our team leads the way in changing how consumers make healthier choices.  With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we’ve pioneered many firsts.  Our passion to create new to the world products has guided and continues to be core to our mission of making health and wellness more enjoyable. Come join us and become a part of our winning formula!      

The Principal Packaging Engineer leads and manages the design, planning, and implementation of new packaging. This includes work with vendors to design the structure, selection of materials, equipment design/selection, installation and operational qualification (IQ/OQ) of equipment, and optimization of the installed equipment to deliver against consumer/customer needs at required quality and cost. Projects include launching new packaging technologies, line extensions, package/product improvement, manufacturing efficiency improvements, and cost savings. The Principal Packaging Engineer also leads related sustainability initiatives and is expected to help guide other junior level engineers in projects when applicable.

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and lead the development and commercial implementation efforts for key packaging projects.
• Steer project direction by providing technical input through the planning and decision-making process.
• Provide technical expertise in primary discipline, keep abreast of technical developments, and propose projects to capitalize.
• Oversee development of packaging specifications, in-process control points, and establish testing requirements and operating guidelines.
• Perform solid root cause analysis and technical problem solving to issues with current packaging, and good technical design practices on new designs to ensure success the first time rather than large iterative trial and error processes.
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications of product to determine physical characteristics of item, special handling and safety requirements, and type of materials required for packaging.
• Consult with engineering, production, marketing, and purchasing departments to determine requirements, costs, and feasibility of producing proposed packaging with an eye toward meeting consumer needs and maintaining cost consciousness (including artwork compatibility based on current and future machine capabilities).
• Develop or manage development of drawings, specifications, samples, and written analyses of proposed packaging to present design for approval. This includes the creation of packaging specifications, label and case layouts, pallet pattern and labels, and research & development (R&D) graphics.
• Conduct and lead machine trials with proposed packaging online to ensure suitability of materials, production parameters, and overall efficiency of materials (including supplier changes for existing materials).
• Lead or support process development trials, scale up trials, and verifications/validations. Maintain a solid understanding of the process, products, and history for the respective lines.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of general regulatory requirements, product requirements, and Title 21 CFR Parts 110, 210 and 211. Mentor other engineers in these requirements.
• Define user requirements and source, design, install, and validate (IQOQPQ) equipment for capital projects and process improvements while providing regular project updates for executive leadership.
• Provide technical support to customers with minimal guidance and balance customer unique requests with true process capability.
• Provide impact assessments and root cause analysis in the manufacturing deviation investigation process.
• Obtain data, perform statistical analysis, and write process control reports. Provide guidance to other process engineers as needed on continued process verification (CPV) reports.
• Confer with customers or sales representatives to draw up specifications.
• Liaise with packaging material suppliers and vendors to discuss packaging material issues, performance improvements, sustainability, and new applications.
• Advise company or customers on efficient packing procedures, innovations in packaging materials, equipment, and utilization/flexibility of packaging equipment.
• Help guide and assist Quality Assurance in establishing criteria for accepting or rejecting incoming packaging material.
• Record all packing material specifications on central file.
• Travel to material suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as needed (less than 10%).

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 10 years’ experience in packaging design and manufacturing.
• Experience in manufacturing, fulfillment, and distribution packaging environments.
• Hands-on experience with various packaging equipment and technologies.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs): 

• Strong analytical, design, project management, problem solving, planning, cross-functional leadership skills and ability to influence matrixed teams.
• Ability to interpret CAD and other drawings, specifications (technical graphic), and layouts.
• Extensive knowledge of materials management, logistics, and supply chain techniques.
• Statistical analytical skills (SPC, DOE, modeling) and intermediate Excel skills.
• Ability to contribute to complex aspects of a project and manage projects solely. Works independent and collaborative in nature.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal staff and management. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Must be able to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills. Ability to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

• Master’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Certified packaging professional.
• Experience in the design of corrugated material, bags, film, labels, bottles, blisters, cartons, single unit dose, flow wrap and/or protective/CR packaging materials.
• Experience in the design, specification and qualification of new packaging equipment.
• Experience in cGMP, supplement, pharmaceutical or sterile packaging.
• Thorough knowledge of packaged transit testing methods.
• Experience working in MasterControl and/or SAP.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities