Project Engineer

Huhtamaki • De Soto, KS

5h

About The Position

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki. You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together. We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together. Purpose of the Position Support the company’s strategic commercial growth by implementing new packaging structures and leading material development initiatives. Function as a Project Engineer, managing Technology & Development (T&D) projects to advance sustainability, digitalization, growth, and competitiveness. Apply extensive manufacturing expertise and knowledge of diverse material and process technologies to provide critical technical support for Huhtamaki Paperboard product lines.

Requirements

• Demonstrated project management abilities; capable of managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks.
• Effective independent worker and team collaborator; able to engage with cross-functional groups.
• Strong presentation, communication, and conflict resolution skills; highly organized with strong follow-up.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, R&D tools, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Fundamental knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, heat transfer, and their application to material science in packaging.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude, creative design, critical thinking, and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Proficient in 2D/3D CAD software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Paper, Packaging, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or related field).
• Minimum 5 years of project work experience in R&D and New Product Development, with preference for candidates from the packaging industry.
• Willingness to travel up to 35% as required to support job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Management Lead the development and commercialization of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions—taking concepts from ideation to launch—while exceeding customer expectations, meeting cost targets, and supporting efficient manufacturing. Utilize strong project management and interpersonal skills to coordinate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment and timely execution of packaging projects. Report project progress to key stakeholders, ensuring timely completion within budget and against set deadlines. Manage material qualification and new product development projects to completion by coordinating activities between T&D and cross-functional teams, including Operations, Sales, and Procurement. Effectively communicate and present technical project updates, test results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Technical & Process Expertise Apply mechanical aptitude and proficiency in Artios CAD, Pro E, AutoCAD, and other design tools to engineer packaging and develop or refine machine tooling, increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Support paperboard product development, machine design, and process improvement projects; assist with prototyping and sample creation as needed. Operate and troubleshoot T&D converting equipment; optimize manufacturing processes for printing, slitting, sheeting, die cutting, and forming. Collaborate with customers and suppliers on material qualifications and new product development.
• Innovation & Intellectual Property Foster innovation through creative design; develop patentable ideas and partner with the IP Manager to safeguard intellectual property. Collaborate globally to share knowledge in material science and pursue advancements within T&D.
• Material Science & Sustainability Provide technical support in a broad scope of material science areas, including paperboard, barrier technologies, adhesives, coatings, inks, waxes, and polymer resins. Support the qualification of new materials for product improvement, cost reduction, supply chain diversification, and sustainability initiatives. Demonstrate fundamental expertise in sustainability, such as knowledge of sustainable materials, industry challenges, recyclability and compostability standards, and end-of-life considerations.
• Problem Solving, Quality & Testing Apply analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to design testing protocols, qualify new materials, and troubleshoot technical issues. Assist with functionality, performance testing of packaging, and development of new testing protocols or procedures. Support on-site product development trials; act as the technical expert during internal/external converting and customer trials. Collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, Quality, and Operations teams to resolve customer complaints and product issues using root cause analysis.
• Documentation, Compliance & Specifications Author and maintain customer specifications, drawings, and manage T&D databases while protecting intellectual property. Write and update standard operating procedures, QC protocols, and specification documents. Ensure compliance with FDA and other applicable food contact packaging regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees