Packaging Engineer

Role Overview

The Packaging Materials Engineer will conduct packaging development projects from initiation through manufacture (launch). This position will be expected to deliver packaging systems and packaging equipment in support of company goals while working independently with moderate supervision. This role drives the design, development, testing, coordination, implementation, and maintenance of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging solutions for commercial products. Will be a member of multidisciplinary project teams and be called on to lead teams for tasks that are focused on packaging issues.

Areas of Responsibility

• Modifies packaging for existing products, as well as for new products, and executes projects for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging development.
• Offers input for the creation of project timelines, responsible for meeting timelines, finding solutions to problems, managing expectations, and delivering to those expectations.
• Evaluates new packaging process or packaging materials to increase productivity and/meets or reduces costs. Balances these goals with accountability for assuring no sacrifice to quality, consumer expectations, or the project schedule.
• Utilizes various packaging materials (i.e.: fiberboard, corrugated, plastics, folding cartons [solid bleached sulfate, clay coated news-back and KRAFT paperboard] plastic and glass bottles, flexible packaging, thermoformed packaging, films, foils, etc.) to develop cost effective, consumer acceptable packages.
• Previous direct interaction with primary and secondary packaging component suppliers on design changes, specifications and managing tooling build projects.
• Executes engineering studies and/or component verification tests to verify changes/ modifications to packaging components.
• Coordinates and executes plant line trials, including the generation of test plans and reports.
• Develops and executes qualification programs for new package designs and materials.
• Routinely Identifies, develops, and implements cost savings initiatives or is a key member of continuous improvement projects related to packaging designs and materials.
• Stays current about future trends, process improvements, and new technologies in component packaging and communicates and introduces suggestions as applicable.
• Performs hands-on evaluation of packaging components for conformance to project requirements.
• Develops packaging specifications and creates and approves technical artwork specifications.
• Reviews and approves component blueprints to identify any issues with specifications.
• Writes technical reports to support the component selection process.
• Authors SOPs, work procedures, packaging component specifications, package design testing protocols, and oversee testing of the packaging components and packaging systems. Also responsible for writing customer complaint investigations and supporting Operations documentation changes.
• Performs and is knowledgeable about various packaging component testing, test procedures, as well as interpretation of results.Component testing will include: drop testing, compression testing, vibration testing, Dangerous Goods shipping/testing requirements, leak detection, leak testing, blister burst testing, peel testing, temperature monitoring of shipments and cold chain practices.
• Identifies new packaging suppliers and CMOs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities Including Safety

• Travels to supplier and manufacturing locations for support of packaging project activities.
• Justifies, arranges qualifications, and participates in compliance audits of packaging suppliers and CMO’s as required.
• Ensures each employee works in a safe and responsible manner in order to create an injury-free and incident-free workplace. Compliant with all job-related safety and other training requirements.
• Informs management of area activities and of any significant problems.

Requirements

Education & Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging /Materials /Mechanical Engineering, preferred.Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and work-related experience could qualify.
• Minimum of 4 years relevant experience in Package Development in the Consumer/Personal Care, Vitamins/ Health Supplements or Pharmaceutical Industry required.
• Previous experience in, and familiarity with GMP manufacturing environment in an FDA-regulated industry and knowledge of packaging related requirements

Certifications, Licenses, Credentials:

• N/A

Skills & Ability

• Expert knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles; manufacturing process flow, analysis, diagnostic equipment, and packaging components
• Working knowledge of different packaging materials / converting methods; coordination and completion of qualification/testing for new package designs and materials.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for Packaging design/changes, palletization optimization/configuration and engineering support. Highly competent in Microsoft applications and general computer usage.
• Possesses strong project management and interpersonal skills and is able to negotiate and sustain successful networking relationships across departments and with customers.
• Demonstrates clear written and oral communication and has strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive personality with ambitions to “learn and deliver” within a fast paced, “employee empowered” atmosphere.
• Must possess strong technical writing/documentation skills and a demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify root causes, draw conclusions, and generate reports that present sound data driven conclusions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift to 35 lbs.; occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Able to stand and walk on production floor a minimum of 8 hours per shift when required.
• Uses hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, lifting to waist height and/or above shoulder height, frequent bending from waist, or squatting, walking short distances.
• Must be able wear all PPE including safety shoes, hair nets, lab coat, face mask, booties, gloves, safety glasses/goggles and respirators.

Work Environment

• Ability to navigate office, lab, and/or plant floor working environments.
• Majority of work hours (80%) performed in a standard office environment without unpleasant or hazardous conditions. Physical demands involved in office work such as the ability to talk, hear, use hands to handle and feel; work on a computer up to 7 hours a day; close vision required for computer usage.
• Work may be performed 20% of the time inside a manufacturing environment where temperatures can be moderate, exposure to dust, odors, noise and fumes. The noise level is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the job responsibilities, duties, skill, or working conditions. In addition, this document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.