Packaging Engineer

SCHLUTER SYSTEMS L.P.•City of Plattsburgh, NY

25m

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer will focus on technical leadership, cross-functional alignment, and packaging strategy & improvement. This role leads complex packaging projects across multiple product families or value streams, developing and validating packaging solutions that consider manufacturability, sustainability, cost, logistics, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will lead packaging testing protocols, establish qualification criteria, and mentor junior engineers and technicians on packaging design, trials, and documentation standards. Additionally, they will work cross-functionally to optimize packaging lines, improve assembly efficiency, and solve packaging quality issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, with a strong focus on design, development, and validation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
Experience in designing cost-effective, protective, and sustainable packaging solutions across multiple product types and shipping modes.
Experience conducting packaging feasibility studies, material selection, DFM/DFA evaluations, and prototyping for both manual and automated lines.
Success in developing packaging standards, specifications, and BOMs in alignment with production requirements.
Exposure to launching packaging on new or altered equipment and working closely with Manufacturing, Automation, and Maintenance to support integration and validation.
Familiarity with equipment trials, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and ramp-up of new packaging lines.
Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or CI methodologies with packaging-related process improvements (e.g., throughput, changeover, material usage, ergonomics).
Experience utilizing root cause analysis, FMEA, and statistical tools to identify and eliminate packaging-related defects, waste, and variability.
Experience in managing supplier relationships, overseeing packaging component development, testing, qualification, and change control.
Prior experience coordinating with logistics and fulfillment to ensure packaging robustness throughout the distribution chain.
Experience with packaging regulations and standards (e.g., ISTA, ASTM, FDA, UN/DOT, EU requirements).
Skilled in supporting compliance documentation, labeling requirements, and audit readiness (internal, customer, or regulatory).
Balances project delivery with team development, resource planning, and strategic roadmap creation.
Proficient in CAD tools (e.g., ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks), packaging design software, packaging simulation tools, and ERP/PLM systems.
Experience with digital document control, change management systems, and data analytics for packaging performance and defect tracking.
Experience presenting data-driven recommendations to leadership and translating plant floor needs into actionable engineering plans.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (word, powerpoint, excel, visio).
Willingness to adapt and learn new skills to increase efficiency.

Responsibilities

Lead moderate to complex packaging design projects that align with product requirements, production capabilities, and cost targets.
Develop and refine packaging solutions including primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging to support product protection, branding, and operational efficiency.
Create and maintain packaging documentation such as drawings, specifications, bill of materials, and work instructions in compliance with internal standards.
Conduct packaging trials and validation testing (e.g., drop tests, compression tests, line trials) to verify performance and robustness.
Identify and implement packaging process improvements that enhance packaging line efficiency, reduce material waste, and support automation initiatives.
Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and procurement to evaluate new materials and technologies for feasibility and integration.
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by analyzing packaging performance metrics and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Conduct in-depth performance testing and validation using standardized protocols (e.g., ISTA, ASTM) and internal requirements, ensuring designs meet technical and regulatory standards.
Evaluate and implement new packaging materials or formats in coordination with suppliers, considering product protection, efficiency, and environmental impact.
Stay current with industry trends, innovations, and evolving regulations to inform strategy and continuous improvement efforts.
Lead medium-scale packaging engineering projects with limited supervision, coordinating across functions such as production, quality, and logistics.
Manage project timelines, deliverables, and reporting to ensure alignment with business needs and production schedules.
Support onboarding of new Packaging Engineers and Technicians by sharing knowledge of tools, processes, and standards.
Provide guidance to junior engineers (L1–L2) on design principles, documentation, and testing protocols.
Offer informal coaching and feedback on technical and project execution best practices.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to resolve packaging-related challenges.
Represent the packaging function in daily and project-level production or NPI meetings when assigned.
Begin developing leadership presence by taking initiative in problem-solving, improvement workshops, and technical reviews.
Work collaboratively with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Logistics teams to support packaging design, testing, and implementation activities.
Contribute technical insights during design reviews, project meetings, and readiness assessments to ensure packaging solutions are aligned with operational and customer needs.
Communicate packaging specifications and requirements with material and equipment suppliers.
Support the qualification of new suppliers or materials in coordination with the Procurement and Quality teams.
Partner with production personnel to address packaging process challenges, improve packaging efficiency, and ensure seamless integration of new packaging designs.
Collaborate with other engineers to share knowledge, align on standard practices, and contribute to a cohesive engineering approach.
Participate in consumer experience reviews and incorporate relevant feedback into design iterations.
Evaluate potential safety, ergonomic, and quality risks associated with new and existing packaging formats.
Proactively implement design changes or material improvements to mitigate risk across the packaging lifecycle.
Lead or support qualification protocols for packaging (e.g., ISTA testing, stability, transit simulation).
Ensure packaging specifications comply with relevant regulatory and industry standards.
Review and approve labeling, artwork, and compliance documentation in partnership with Regulatory and Product Management.
Lead investigations into packaging-related non-conformances and customer complaints.
Participate in structured root cause analyses and drive packaging related corrective/preventive action implementation.
Lead packaging risk evaluations (e.g., PFMEA) to prioritize mitigation strategies during new product introductions and packaging changes.
Ensure risk-based thinking is embedded in packaging projects from development through commercialization.
Collaborate with suppliers to verify quality standards for packaging materials.
Participate in supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance with Schluter’s packaging performance expectations.