Principal Packaging Engineer

Overview

The Principal Packaging Engineer will perform a wide variety of technical tasks in support of specific new or existing Melaleuca products, under the supervision of the Packaging Manager.  Provide technical guidance on packaging material selection and design.  Recommends/specifies appropriate product packaging, as well as solves existing package related issues. These tasks are highly specific and usually require the use of quantitative methods and the application of technical judgment to assist in the development of new packaging or to troubleshoot problems with existing packaging configurations.  Will also manage special projects as needed.

Responsibilities

Essential

• Develop packaging solutions for new and existing CPG products.  
• Work with Marketing, R&D, Production, Engineering, & external partners to evaluate, qualify, & recommend new designs & prototypes.
• Evaluate competitive products, Melaleuca products, and trial compositions according to established procedures.
• PWork with Packaging Technicians to prepare samples & perform weight loss, compatibility, and functionality tests for trial compositions & packaging.  
• Evaluate and measure packaging components & technical drawings to determine acceptability for use.
• Maintain accurate records of test results and observations; specifically lab notebooks & electronic records.
• Frequent communication of critical information between key internal customer groups (Marketing, Operations, R&D, etc.)
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain packaging test equipment.
• Provide support to US and International Operations to solve packaging-related manufacturing problems.
• Create & maintain packaging component specifications.
• Review and approve Finished Good specifications and other packaging-related paperwork maintained by Document Control.
• Attend weekly Category team meetings as a Packaging representative for the R&D Department.
• Use all available physical & electronic resources to research technical problems and find solutions independently.
• Take ownership of all packaging related issues within the company for both domestic and international products.
• Document status of projects weekly to the Packaging Manager.

Additional

• Mentor and train Lab Technicians as needed under the direction of the Packaging Manager.
• Mentor & train less experienced Packaging Engineers in the department.
• Represent the R&D/Packaging Dept. in support of QA, Operations, Purchasing, and Marketing activities.
• Coordinate line trials of new/alternate packaging components with Production & Engineering.
• Coordinate with China Manufacturing and international markets to oversee development and localization of new packaging.
• Oversee the creation of custom tooling projects for packaging components, including in-house molding projects.
• Perform and summarize experimental designs incorporating multiple samples and variables.
• Train R&D associates in the use of laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Perform and/or manage special projects under the direction of the Packaging Section Manager or VP of R&D.
• Create & refine Standard Operating Procedures and Policies for packaging related processes & activities.
• Lead one or more cross-functional task force teams related to continuous product improvement.
• Maintain Melaleuca corporate confidentiality & ethical standards for all interactions with outside vendors, suppliers, and other parties.
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

Supervision of Others

• May supervise a Packaging Technician as needed.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor of Science degree (Packaging, Material Science, or Engineering background preferred)
• 3-12 years of direct CPG packagin industry experience (Senior Level)
• 12+ years of direct packaging industry experience.
• Previous work experience in consumer products companies (personal care, cosmetics, home cleaners, food/supplements, etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate leadership qualities of self & others.
• Ability to maintain consistent quality of work under deadline pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze problems and apply critical thinking to implement feasible solutions.
• Proficient in PC applications including word processing ( e.g. Microsoft Word), spreadhsheet (e.g. Excel), and web browsers.
• Ability to research information using printed material, internet resources, telephone, etc. to find solutions to problems.
• Previous work experience in consumer products companies (food products, personal care, cosmetics, home cleaners, etc.) is preferred.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to engage in an environment of active idea sharing.
• Sharp organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• A continuous improvement attitude for products, process, & self.

Optimal

• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) certification preferred
• Previous experience with Good Manufacturing Practices with expertise in Food/Supplement Packaging & OTC products preferred.
• Knowledge of commonly used lab instruments (e.g. balance/scales, calipers, etc.). Package testing equipment experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with material testing procedures, such as ASTM, SPI, ISTA, etc.
• Familiarity with packaging-specific software (CAPE, TOPS, etc.)
• Familiarity or proficiency in 3D CAD software (Solidworks, etc.)
• Familiarity or proficiency with IntellaPac specification software.