Senior Packaging Materials Engineer

Kimberly-Clark•Neenah, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

You’re not the person who will settle for just any role. Neither are we. Because we’re out to create Better Care for a Better World, and that takes a certain kind of person and teams who care about making a difference. Here, you’ll bring your professional expertise, talent, and drive to building and managing our portfolio of iconic, ground-breaking brands. In this role, you’ll help us deliver better care for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU. The Packaging Injection Molding Materials Engineer provides end‑to-end materials and molding leadership for rigid packaging components used in consumer products (e.g., flip lids and closures), from concept through qualification and commercialization. They define resin and additive strategies, lead supplier/tooling qualification, and deliver performance, cost, and sustainability outcomes that enable brand plans and reliable operations. The role serves as a subject matter expert across polymers, processing, tooling, and specification systems, and influences cross‑functional decisions across R&E, Product Supply, Quality, Design, Marketing, and Procurement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (Master's degree preferred) in Materials Science, Polymer/Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Packaging Engineering ( materials focus); and 8+ years of hands‑on experience in injection‑ molded packaging materials/components within CPG or adjacent regulated industries, including resin selection and qualification.
Demonstrated expertise in polymer‑process‑part interactions: shrink/warp control, knit line management, living hinge design, dimensional stability, and cosmetic quality.
Proficiency with DOE/statistics, failure analysis, and interpretation of lab/line data to drive decisions and de‑risk scale‑ups
Working knowledge of relevant package/component testing and distribution‑relevant evaluations for rigid parts, and ability to translate results into specifications and control plans.
Experience with PLM/specification systems and disciplined change control; strong technical communication and documentation skills
Proven supplier/tooling development experience (resin, molder, tool shop), including DFM, Moldflow, cooling optimization, and multi‑cavity scale‑up

Nice To Haves

Sustainability experience in PCR integration, color‑and‑appearance management with PCR, and recyclability‑aligned part design and claims pathways, is preferred.
Certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, or CPP; experience leading PPAP‑like qualifications and multi‑site commercialization, is preferred.
Subject matter expertise in additional packaging materials such as flexibles, paperboard, and corrugate and able to develop strong partnerships internally and externally to help develop and influence broader packaging material strategies beyond injection molding.

Responsibilities

Lead selection, development, and optimization of injection‑molded materials and color systems (e.g., PP/PE, TPE/TPV, masterbatch, stabilizers, UV/antioxidants) to meet cost, performance, aesthetics, regulatory, and sustainability targets for rigid packaging components
Translate consumer/brand and engineering requirements into resin grades, additive packages, and molding strategies; define CTQs, tolerances, and performance criteria for part function, fit, and appearance.
Own material and component specifications in PLM; create and maintain BOMs, approved sources, and change control and design control with full traceability across SKUs and artwork dependencies.
Define and execute robust qualification plans (T=0, line trials, accelerated/real‑time where applicable), including mechanical, sealing/closure force, hinge fatigue, dimensional stability, environmental/chemical compatibility, and distribution‑relevant testing; synthesize results into risk assessments and release recommendations.
Lead supplier and tooling partner engagement: resin technical vetting, molder audits, mold DFM/DFA, Moldflow, gating/runner/cooling strategy, cycle‑time optimization, and maintenance/refurbishment plans.
Drive cost/value engineering (grade moves, design/geometry optimization, wall‑thickness and rib strategy, resin consolidation, dual‑sourcing) with quantified business cases and disciplined implementation.
Ensure compliance with applicable product safety and regional regulatory requirements for packaging contact conditions and additives; partner with Regulatory/Quality to maintain documentation and audit readiness.
Advance sustainability outcomes for rigid packaging (e.g., increased PCR content, bio‑based options, design for disassembly, resin identification and on-pack recyclability guidance) and ensure on-pack claims align to internal guidance and artwork workflows.
Partner with Design and Packaging peers to convert brand intent into manufacturable parts, aligning texture/gloss, color matching, knit/weld line management, and living hinge performance with line capability and consumer expectations.
Serve as category SME for injection‑molded rigid packaging (including flip lids): coach and mentor engineers, codify standards/standard work, and share best practices across programs and sites
Lead cross‑functional project work through stage-gate/IMF processes with clear plans, risks, timing, and stakeholder alignment; present succinct technical recommendations and tradeoffs to management.
Lead cross‑functional project work through stage-gate/IMF processes with clear plans, risks, timing, and stakeholder alignment, present succinct technical recommendations and tradeoffs to management.

Benefits

Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions.
Access to an on-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.
Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents.
Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events.
Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare.
Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan.

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