Candidates should be located in EST or CST time zones only
Will consider Mountain/Pacific only if the candidate is exceptional and is willing to work EST/CST hours.
Immigration Status: Must be eligible to work in the US for a minimum of 18 months
ROLE PURPOSE:
Client is seeking a skilled and innovative Packaging Engineer to support the design, development, testing, validation of packaging for industrial products (initially CET catalytic converter products), and implementation of advanced packaging solutions for a diverse portfolio of products, including glass, ceramics, injection-molded, and optical components.
The successful candidate will combine creativity with strong technical expertise to develop packaging that maximizes product protection, enhances sustainability, optimizes costs, and ensures compliance with all relevant industry standards.
As a key contributor and project leader, the Packaging Engineer will collaborate extensively with both internal and external partners to identify optimal materials and develop tailored packaging solutions that align with product requirements and customer expectations.
This role will lead packaging-driven initiatives and work cross-functionally with Commercial, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Sustainability, customer-facing teams, and key packaging suppliers to deliver innovative and high-performing packaging that supports the client's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Support cost reduction, sustainability, standardization, and process improvement initiatives.
Guiding them on packaging standards, best practices, and requirements.
Drive innovative solutions that improve protection, reduce costs, and optimize shipping logistics.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design & Development: Create and develop innovative and cost-effective packaging solutions based on product specifications, manufacturing capabilities, customer requirements, transportation, and regulatory compliance. This includes new and revised product packaging solutions (corrugate, recyclable plastic, paper-based materials).
Testing & Validation: Build prototypes, plan and conduct testing to ensure packaging integrity, durability, and compliance with quality and safety standards (e.g., ISTA, ASTM, ISO). Determine validation requirements and design of experiments (doe) constructs in conjunction with Quality Assurance. Also prepare packaging specifications and manufacturing protocols to ensure product reliability.
Sustainability: Evaluate and implement sustainable packaging materials and practices to support company goals and minimize environmental impact
Process Improvement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Global Supply Chain, Commercial, etc.) to identify and execute improved packaging designs, reduce costs, and streamline packaging processes to deliver cost, quality, and capability improvements for new and existing products.
Supplier Management: Work with suppliers to source materials, manage costs, and ensure packaging quality and availability. Interface with packaging material solution vendors to identify, develop and validate potential packaging solutions. Partner with GSM on packaging second sourcing opportunities.
Documentation & Specifications: Prepare and maintain detailed packaging specifications, artwork, CAD drawings, and documentation for new and existing products.
Problem-solving: Provide technical expertise to support production/manufacturing packaging issues or customer quality-related issues to packaging.
Compliance: Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory and safety requirements, such as FDA, EU, REACH, etc., as applicable. And demonstrate pkg capabilities with all team members including the manufacturing sites/ engineering/ GSM/ sourcing team members. Network with North America, Europe and Asia sites to effectively implement pkg projects and meet project deliverables.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related field from an accredited university program is required. Additional certifications (i.e., CPP Certified Packaging Professionals) is desired.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in packaging engineering-related roles.
Proficiency with packaging design software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
Knowledge of packaging materials (paper, plastics, glass, corrugate, etc.), manufacturing processes, and testing standards.
Understanding of sustainability trends, recyclable/renewable materials, and regulatory considerations.
Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Top Required Skills
Packaging Engineering Expertise
Industrial packaging (not retail/consumer packaging).
Experience with ISTA, ISO, ASTM packaging test standards.
Familiarity with corrugated materials, thicknesses, protective packaging concepts, sustainability, etc.
Design & Development
Ability to lead development of new packaging concepts - from ideation through prototyping, testing, validation, and cost estimation.
Experience with AutoCAD (2D) and SOLIDWORKS (preferred for new designs).
Cross functional Collaboration & Communication
Strong communication skills to advise teams who have limited packaging knowledge.
Ability to explain requirements, guide decision making, and influence technical direction.
Regular interface with product engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, commercial, quality, and customers.
Nice to Have Skills
CPP certification
Experience with automotive, industrial, environmental technologies, or packaging sensitive/fragile industrial products.
Background in medical device or pharmaceutical packaging (if large-format industrial packaging rather than retail cartons).
Experience with sustainability initiatives and regulations.
Strong project management abilities - timelines, cost modeling, process steps, design reviews.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
0-25% Domestic and International, depending on the specific project
Travel will typically be 1 week or less at a time to client facilities, customer or supplier sites
WORK SCHEDULE:
Workload and schedule will fluctuate (part-time to full-time) depending on project phase and internal customer demands for packaging support. Support will be called upon as needed, so there may be periods of low demand with no support required.
EDUCATION: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related field
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 7 years of experience in packaging engineering-related roles
INTERVIEW PROCESS:
Video screening required (per Cleint's updated security guidelines)
Candidates will prepare a 15 20 minute presentation on:
o One or two packaging projects they have led
o Their innovative solutions
o How they approached design, testing, and problem solving
o Without revealing proprietary information
Discussion of:
o Cross-functional leadership
o Industrial packaging challenges
o Design methodologies and testing standards
1st interview will be 45 min Teams Meeting in which the candidate will be asked to give a presentation (15 minutes) highlighting one or two packaging projects and innovative solutions they have done.
The 2nd interview will most likely be a 30 mins Teams Meeting with an MT&E customer
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