ENGINEER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

About the position

We are seeking a hands-on, curious, and energetic Packaging/Product Engineer to join our technical team. In this role, you'll bridge the gap between design, manufacturing, and the customer, bringing new label and packaging solutions to life. You'll work closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Quality to identify opportunities, run trials, validate performance, and launch new products. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving real-world technical problems, is passionate about materials and print, and is eager to grow within a high-impact, collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and track new product development from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Quality to define specs, run plant trials, and support scale-up.
• Assist with mockups, prototyping, and testing to validate real-world performance of labels, adhesives, inks, and coatings.
• Work directly with vendors and material suppliers to evaluate new films, adhesives, and printable substrates.
• Support process improvement and material cost-out initiatives through analysis and hands-on experimentation.
• Partner with customers and attend on-site press trials or production launches as needed.
• Analyze competitors' products to inform future innovation.
• Document and maintain accurate specifications, trial reports, and performance data.
• Actively contribute to the growth strategy of the product portfolio by identifying new application areas and technical opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Science, Graphic Communications, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 0-5 years of experience in product development, technical packaging, or prepress/print production (internships/co-ops welcome).
• Solid understanding of label materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and printing/converting technologies (especially flexographic and digital).
• Familiarity with inks, coatings, and adhesives used in label and packaging applications.
• Strong project management skills - able to juggle multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Effective communicator with the ability to convey complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with CAD, Esko, or similar packaging design tools is a plus.
• Team player with a self-starter mindset and a passion for learning.

Nice-to-haves

• Internship or co-op experience in the packaging, printing, or labeling industry.
• Experience with GMP environments or FDA-regulated packaging.
• Exposure to Design for Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, or sustainability initiatives.
• Hands-on work with mockups or prototype testing.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Esko workflows, or color proofing systems.

Benefits

• Competitive pay + Bonus
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, 401(k), and tuition assistance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• Career growth within a rapidly expanding company
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• CIP (Cash Incentive Plan)