Packaging Engineer

Boston Beer Company•Breinigsville, PA

8h•$65,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer identifies, evaluates, develops, designs, and implements safety, quality, cost savings, new product development, sustainability projects, and operating efficiency projects to achieve increased productivity, enhanced manufacturing flexibility and capacity, improved product quality, safer operations, and ensures environmental compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
Up to 3 years of engineering, packaging, manufacturing, or related experience, including internships, co-ops, research projects, or full-time experience, preferably within Beverage, Food, CPG/FMCG, Pharmaceutical, or other manufacturing environments
Exposure to packaging materials, manufacturing processes, packaging equipment, or packaging technologies through coursework, internships, co-ops, research projects, or professional experience
Familiarity with packaging material test methods and laboratory techniques, such as TAPPI, ASTM, or ISTA
Familiarity with packaging materials and manufacturing processes related to cans, bottles, corrugated packaging, paperboard, flexible films, or similar packaging formats
Familiarity with packaging engineering and design software such as TOPS, CAPE, AutoCAD, or similar applications
Familiarity with packaging specification systems, databases, or document management tools
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to use data to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts
Self-motivated with a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions
Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute in a team-oriented environment
Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to use data to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts
Curiosity and a willingness to learn, adapt, and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
Ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to projects with appropriate guidance and support
Exposure to Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, or structured problem-solving methods through coursework, internships, co-ops, or professional experience

Nice To Haves

Exposure to packaging sustainability initiatives, EPR reporting requirements, or packaging compliance programs is a plus
Experience with packaging specification, sustainability, or lifecycle assessment software
Familiarity with packaging design software such as ArtiosCAD, Score, or similar applications
Exposure to packaging component manufacturing processes, including cans, bottles, corrugated packaging, pallets, or paperboard cartons

Responsibilities

Provide overall project engineering on assigned capital projects
Provide direct support to Project Managers for discreet phases or technology areas on larger scale capital projects
Responsible for scope definition, capital budget cost estimates, operating cost savings development, investment justification and feasibility, system design, cost value analysis, equipment design specifications, development of engineering design specifications, RFPs/RFQs
Prepare critical path project schedule and coordination of Brewery production scheduling, equipment vendors/manufacturers, outside contractors and plant personnel to ensure compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget
Manage project installation/construction, start-up, commissioning, and the effective transfer of technology and training to Brewery operating personnel.
Ensures BBC safety, quality, and compliance standards are adhered to on all projects
Leads root cause problem solving efforts on key chronic losses for the line(s)
Coaches teams to build capability in problem solving skills and formal tools, including but not limited to Initial Problem Solving, Unified Problem Solving, 6W2H, and 5 Why’s
Create and maintain packaging material specifications and other required documentation for all assigned projects
Coordinate package material testing as required at third party laboratories, pilot brewery, or production breweries
Drive packaging material cost savings projects across the Boston Beer manufacturing network including internal breweries and co-man sites
Working cross functionally with Procurement, Breweries, Supply Chain, Brand Development, Commercialization, New Product Development, Quality, and others to evaluate packaging materials and structures for feasibility and operational impact (changeovers, OEE, complexity) to the breweries and then lead the execution of those projects to meet company wide and brewery specific objectives and timelines
Drive packaging material sustainability
Collaborate on trial qualification reporting and communications sent amongst the breweries
Identifying, developing, and commercializing new packaging materials, technologies, and suppliers that bring competitive, consumer, and especially cost advantage to Boston Beer
Supporting the Supply Chain manufacturing network and production breweries with subject matter expertise on packaging materials
Aid in identification and implementation of Gross Margin cost saving improvement opportunities related to packaging materials and packaging operations
Understand the performance versus cost implications of packaging materials and identify alternatives
Support Procurement and Supply Chain packaging initiatives for supply continuity and risk management by providing input to RFP process and new vendor qualification. Lead/support the qualification of new vendors and supply locations
Analyze and report packaging material sustainability metrics
Support packaging sustainability improvements
Maintain EPR reporting tool and connected weights & dimensions data
Supports the trialing of new packaging materials at Boston Beer breweries and 3rd party manufacturers
Review and approve artwork for packaging materials
Manage weights and dimensions information for various pack formats
Support continuous improvement efforts related to packaging material delivery and performance
Support identification and resolution of packaging material complaints and issues as required
Support vendor audit and qualification process for packaging material vendors, sites, and lines