R&D Packaging Engineer
About The Position
The R&D Packaging Engineer leads technical packaging initiatives for internal and external client product development. The role bridges marketing concepts and industrial execution by managing compatibility studies, packaging specifications, line trials, and vendor collaborations. The engineer helps establish standard packaging offerings for R&D North America and ensures products meet aesthetic, functional, regulatory, cost, and timeline requirements. The position works closely with formulation chemists, project managers, technical transfer teams, procurement, package suppliers, stability and compatibility technicians, and other cross-functional partners. It also provides technical expertise and mentorship to packaging associates and interns. The work environment is a fast-paced, open floor plan workspace, with local or regional travel as needed for supplier meetings and line trials.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- At least 3 years of packaging engineering experience with a technical degree, or at least 5 years of proven packaging engineering experience.
- Strong understanding of material science, including plastics, glass, cartons, printing, and decoration techniques.
- Knowledge of global packaging regulations.
- Ability to work independently with minimal to medium supervision in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to collaborate with international, multidisciplinary teams and global supplier networks.
- Ability to drive multiple project streams, assess technical risks, and develop mitigation plans.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to build trust and collaborate across departments.
- Demonstrates entrepreneurship, innovation, integrity, human sensitivity, and a passion for action.
Nice To Haves
- Packaging engineering experience in the cosmetics or personal care sectors.
- Familiarity with R&D databases or software such as COPTIS and general IT systems.
Responsibilities
- Translate marketing packaging concepts into technically industrialized products.
- Select primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging substrates, materials, and components with R&D Formulation Chemists based on customer briefs.
- Lead compatibility studies with R&D Stability/Compatibility Technicians and prepare conformity reports for approval by the Packaging Manager.
- Create palletizing plans and source documentation, including feasibility costing sheets, package profiles, tooling specifications, and component specifications.
- Enter and maintain packaging specifications and approved supplier data in COPTIS and transfer data to technical transfer teams.
- Own technical milestones and packaging specifications within project timelines to ensure on-time validations.
- Execute and oversee packaging testing, including shipping, compatibility, and chemical-resistance testing.
- Review and approve technical drawings and color submissions.
- Attend line trials and oversee first production runs to evaluate the impact of components on plant efficiency.
- Recommend packaging process SOPs and maintain compliance with global cosmetic regulations as they relate to packaging.
- Partner with formulation chemists, project managers, technical transfer, procurement, and package suppliers to meet project objectives.
- Communicate project status updates directly to the R&D Project Manager.
- Stay current on packaging and product innovation trends, technology advances, and material science developments.
- Provide technical support as a subject matter expert and mentor packaging associates and interns.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries.
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Company-paid short-term disability insurance.
- Company-paid life and accidental death insurance.
- 401(k) plan with a 4.5% company match and immediate vesting.
- Employee referral program.
- Paid vacation annually.
- Paid holidays annually.
- Onsite cafeteria.
- Job advancement opportunities.
- Manufacturing employees also receive company-paid work shoes, uniforms, and prescription safety eyeglasses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
