Packaging Engineer

Colgate•Piscataway, NJ

84d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is part of the Global Design & Packaging Organization supporting the North America Oral Care / Personal Care Category. This position is responsible for the engineering & implementation of innovative packaging solutions, collaboratively with Global and Division Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain and Manufacturing. This role will also have broad responsibilities supporting manufacturing operations to drive efficiencies and cost savings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Package Engineering/Technology/Science or related engineering field (e.g. Chemical Engineering)
4+ years of experience, preferably in the consumer products industry
Minimum 5 years of experience in package development/engineering

Nice To Haves

Material science knowledge of plastics, labels, printing and decoration techniques
Knowledge of PET bottles manufacturing processes and troubleshooting
Knowledge of bottle filling line processes/specifications and troubleshooting
Knowledge of pump design and development
Knowledge of injection molding (eg: PET preforms, flip top caps)
Knowledge of packaging operations, processes, and equipment
Knowledge of paperboard packaging and corrugate
Project Management skills with experience leading cross functional teams
Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse cultures and global partners
Experience with statistical and predictive engineering tools (eg.: Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA), Finite Element Analysis (FEA))
Experience initiating and leading continuous improvement teams and plans
Demonstrate strong documentation skills (eg: Test reports, specifications, etc.)
Experience using SAP or other ERP software and/or plant-related computer systems
Experience with CAPE/TOPS, MS Project, AutoCAD

Responsibilities

Develop packaging materials for the new product launches in the assigned portfolio ensuring defined needs for brand equity, consumer acceptance, manufacturing capability, quality and cost are met from the program brief through design, engineering and commercialization
Independently and proactively manage multiple packaging development projects to ensure fastest possible project timing. Feel sole accountability to deliver against initiatives.
Lead the conceptualization, initiation, development and implementation of new and improved packages and processes including: design generation, prototype development, engineering specifications, mold and machinery qualification, functionality and quality testing, and technology transfer.
Design new packaging systems and packaging components to meet defined needs for brand equity aesthetics, consumer acceptance, manufacturing capability, quality and cost are met from the program brief through design, engineering and commercialization
Collaborate with Marketing, Global Design & Packaging, Supply Chain, Quality, other cross functional teams and outside suppliers to identify package technologies that meet key attributes (eg: costs, consumer usage/functionality, manufacturability and compatibility/functionality of materials with product)
Create tooling/package qualification plans, technology transfer documentation (Design History Files) and final package component specifications, Bills of Materials, Manufacturing Specifications, case/cube information cost and savings estimates etc.
Identify cost saving opportunities in his/her area of responsibility and work towards implementation of the same through cross functional collaboration with commercial and operational team members.
Coordinate line trials to ensure package performance for manufacturing. Attend component and manufacturing startups as needed to ensure proper execution of design & function.
Responsible for aspects of project management: project planning, capital expenditure estimates, and technology transfer associated with projects.
Manage flow of information, and communicate project timelines, costs, and associated risks.
Write and present technical summaries and business impact to functional leaders, both technical and non-technical personnel.
Design package testing procedures to support the effective design, qualification, validation, and implementation of new package systems and packaging technology.
Partner with plant engineering to ensure that packaging equipment/material system specifications, functionality and design are appropriate for use.