Senior Packaging Engineer

Job Description
This job can be located in Mankato, MN OR Alpharetta, GA OR Eufaula, AL

Job Summary
As part of new product development teams, designs cost-effective packaging solutions that can withstand the rigors of both small parcel, last mile, and LTL freight-shipping environments and arrive defect-free.

Collaborates with the product integrity team to outline comprehensive test specifications (shock, vibration, compression) and works with outside labs as necessary to conduct requisite testing to confirm design requirements.

Partners with Brand and Product Management to understand customer expectations and ensure packaging aligns with outdoor brand storytelling.

Ensures packaging solutions align with current e-commerce standards and trends as required, including frustration-free packaging and omnichannel requirements, to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Lead packaging design and validation efforts to ensure compliance with UN 38.3 testing requirements for lithium batteries, including proper containment, labeling, and documentation for safe transport across all modes of shipping.

Leads the expansion of an existing internal returnable packaging system downstream to component suppliers with the goals of streamlining operational efficiency and reducing overall enterprise costs.

Supports Value Analysis/Value Engineering initiatives by working with Purchasing, Finance, and Operations to identify ongoing opportunities to reduce material, labor, and indirect costs while improving quality.

Working with Compliance teams, supports any regulatory requirements for packaging based on international environmental standards and proactively applies those standards to our packaging designs.

Supports Quality Engineering with routine audits to ensure our designs are adequate and that suppliers are delivering materials to specification.

Attends annual packaging trade expos as needed to stay current with industry best practices and new innovative packaging technologies.

Collaborates with cross-functional teams supporting multiple domestic and international facilities and suppliers of contract-manufactured goods. Provides ongoing production problem-solving support to maintain product quality.

Supports initiatives in sustainable packaging, including material reduction, recyclable/biodegradable alternatives, and closed-loop systems.

Partners in supplier development efforts related to packaging, including onboarding, audits, and performance evaluations to ensure quality and compliance.

Develops packaging cost models and ROI analyses to support decision-making and budgeting for new packaging initiatives.

Mentors team members and contributes to building internal packaging expertise and best practices.

Utilizes data analytics to monitor packaging performance, damage rates, and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Education: Bachelors Degree in Packaging Engineering preferred.

Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of expertise in packaging design within a high-volume manufacturing of consumer or industrial products environment.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Complete understanding of the shock, vibration, and stacking conditions encountered in shipping, and creative thinking to create CAD designs that can be prototyped, tested, and ultimately used by Purchasing to obtain competitive quotes.

Experience in corrugated, pulp, and foam packaging design and testing.

Experience with multi-color printed point of sale packaging and clamshells is desirable.

Knowledge of UN 38.3 testing protocols and regulatory requirements for lithium battery packaging, with the ability to design compliant solutions that meet safety and transportation standards.

Growth mindset of continuous improvement and the determination to challenge the status quo.

Strategic thinking to align packaging solutions with brand positioning, customer expectations, and business objectives.

Knowledge of lean manufacturing methodologies and principles.

Complete understanding of current ASTM/ISTA industry testing and standards and related governmental and international environmental regulations.

Demonstrated understanding of transit and packaging testing equipment utilized by ASTM/ISTA certified facilities.

Ability to create, read, and interpret drawing requirements and specifications.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong initiative, curiosity, and the ability to work autonomously.

Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal cross functional teams and external suppliers across multiple geographic cultures. Ability to represent the company professionally to both customers and suppliers.

Flexible and adaptable to navigate internal processes, advocate change where needed and mitigate delays and unexpected events.

Proficiency in using CAD engineering software and Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Ability to work extended hours as required, including overtime and weekends.

Ability to travel up to 20% to domestic and/or international sites.

Project management skills to lead cross-functional packaging initiatives from concept through implementation.

Familiarity with e-commerce packaging standards and trends, including frustration-free packaging and omnichannel considerations.

Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority, driving alignment and execution.

Knowledge of sustainability certifications (e.g., FSC, SFI, How2Recycle) and life cycle analysis tools.

Qualifications
This job can be located in Mankato, MN OR Alpharetta, GA OR Eufaula, AL

Education: Bachelors Degree in Packaging Engineering preferred.

Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of expertise in packaging design within a high-volume manufacturing of consumer or industrial products environment.

Why Is This a Great Opportunity
As part of new product development teams, designs cost-effective packaging solutions that can withstand the rigors of both small parcel, last mile, and LTL freight-shipping environments and arrive defect-free.

Salary Type
: Annual Salary

Salary Min
: $ 95000

Salary Max
: $ 115000

Currency Type
: USD