As a Senior Packaging Engineer, you will work in our client's Technology group to advance the world’s first bottle made of biodegradable material and develop biodegradable packaging for new products. The role focuses on improving the quality, performance, and costs of existing products and leading the development of new products from concept to production. This role offers an exciting opportunity to create revolutionary products to replace single-use plastic.

The primary material utilized is polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) which is a biosynthesized natural polymer that has a fully circular end-of-life, including recycling, composting, and biodegradation in most environments including the ocean. In addition to the many sustainability benefits for consumer packaging provided by PHA, the chemical flexibility of the material also presents opportunities to create unique properties and performance characteristics for packaging. The end result will be high quality packaging that entices consumers and provides a delightful experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development for products from concept to launch
• Analyze consumer feedback to identify and prioritize improvements to existing packaging as well as specifications for new packaging
• Lead investigations to pinpoint packaging performance deficiencies and apply technically robust solutions through design modifications, material specifications, and processing methods
• Develop methods to quantify the performance and quality of packaging
• Create specifications for packaging performance in coordination with the Quality and Manufacturing
• Create design of experiments and build testing plans to generate data that can be interpreted to drive decisions
• Thoroughly document project, investigation, and testing plans and results for repeatability and actionable comparisons between efforts
• Analyze packaging holistically to identify cost-saving opportunities and develop plans to address
• Work with Engineering and Manufacturing to identify new equipment and processes to improve existing packaging or enable new packaging capabilities
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers
• Mentor junior Packaging Engineers

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Engineering, preferably Packaging Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years industry experience with consumer packaged goods, preferably bottled products
• Experience developing packaging specifications for new products that account for the entire life cycle of the product
• Experience performing packaging test methods (ISTA/ASTM standard testing)
• Data analytics competency including design of experiments, statistical modeling, and analysis of data to drive decisions
• Understanding of how polymer properties impact packaging performance
• History of designing packaging manufactured using blow molding and injection molding
• Hands-on experience with processing equipment such as blow molders, injection molding machines, and package handling equipment including conveyors, printers, and palletizers
• A desire to work in a fast-paced, hands-on development and production environment
• Ability to problem solve with creativity and collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and eager to learn new skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects and flexibility to adapt to changing company priorities
• Proficient with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, and experience with CAE tools
• A scientific, first principles mindset and keen observation skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to influence decisions
• Excellent record-keeping skills
• Knowledge of and experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping