Packaging Engineer

Panasonic Energy Corp•Columbus, GA

40d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Packaging Engineer for our U.S. consumer packaging facility in Columbus, GA, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of packaging solutions for a diverse portfolio, including alkaline batteries, lithium coin cells, rechargeable Ni-MH cells and lithium primary cells. A Packaging Engineer should have the capability to read and interpret process information; and understand the impact their actions have on the quality objective. This position will have responsibility for optimization of packaging-related costs, including introduction of automation concepts, waste elimination, and packaging efficiency. This role manages the full lifecycle packaging materials — from the material suppliers to retail blister packs seen on store shelves to the management of consumer packaging waste materials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably within high-volume consumer goods.
Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and ArtiosCAD.
Knowledge of materials like corrugated board, folding cartons, thermoformed plastics, and flexible films.
Strong project management ability to lead cross-functional teams (Marketing, Quality, Sales, Production and Supply Chain) on new product launches.
Ability to read, analyze, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Valid authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience with lithium battery shipping regulations and UN-certified packaging.
Familiarity with automated packaging machinery and robotics.
Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification.

Responsibilities

Develop innovative primary packaging for consumer retail (e.g., blister cards, multipacks) that enhances brand presence while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, product security, product marking requirements and ease of use.
Ensure all packaging complies with stringent global safety standards, including UN38.3 (transportation) and DOT/IATA HazMat regulations. Ensure contents of packaging materials comply with regulatory requirements.
Create and maintain detailed Bill of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and technical specifications for all packaging components.
Execute rigorous validation protocols, including drop, vibration, and environmental stress testing, to guarantee integrity across the global supply chain.
Lead initiatives to reduce packaging waste, transition to sustainable/recyclable materials, and optimize palletization patterns using software like Cape Pack or TOPS.
Partner with the production teams to integrate packaging designs with high-speed automated assembly lines and troubleshooting equipment issues.
Partner with Procurement team to source and qualify packaging suppliers, conducting periodic business reviews and plant audits to ensure quality and cost-competitiveness.