Sr. Associate, Development Engineering Packaging

SC Johnson • Racine, WI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Associate, Packaging Engineer, you will develop, test, and implement new and improved packaging solutions. You will provide technical expertise for product launches, packaging enhancements, and line extensions, ensuring packaging meets business needs and market requirements. You will lead packaging activities for projects involving supply chain resilience, cost reduction, sustainability, manufacturing efficiency, and e-commerce. Working with cross-functional teams, you will deliver reliable packaging aligned with project objectives, provide technical guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and support successful project execution. The position reports to a Research Development and Engineering (RD&E) Manager.

The role covers end-to-end packaging development across the North America Region, including primary, secondary, and e-commerce packaging. Work includes creating component, finished-goods, and pallet specifications; testing package performance, compatibility, and distribution; and developing validation and line qualification plans. You will conduct laboratory testing and line trials and document results in technical reports and electronic laboratory notebooks. You will also lead investigations and corrective actions for complex packaging issues, contribute to process improvements and standardized practices, and share technical learnings through the Packaging Community of Practice.

This is a full-time position with travel up to 25%. The work environment is an office, with remote work available once per week for eligible employees after the 90-day onboarding period. Domestic relocation is available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in packaging engineering, packaging science, or a related engineering discipline and at least 4 years of product or packaging development experience; or an advanced degree in a related field and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
• Able to travel up to 25%.
• Able to lift 10–40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to collaborate effectively, take initiative, and deliver results.
• Experience with e-commerce packaging design, certifications, and qualifications.
• Effective oral and written communication, including presenting and explaining information to non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of product development processes involving delivery system technologies such as aerosol formulation, emulsion chemistry, gel formulation, polymer chemistry, reaction products, surfactants, solvents, and builders.
• Experience and technical competency in primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging design and qualification, including product/package compatibility, distribution and warehouse testing, and manufacturing qualification.
• Expertise in packaging disciplines such as aerosols and liquids packaging, dispensing systems, materials, closures, manufacturing line requirements, plastic molding techniques, and product/environment compatibility.
• Experience applying sustainable packaging principles, including Design for Recycling, post-consumer recycled materials, and Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
• Experience with Association of Plastic Recyclers test methods and applications.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including anticipating and communicating technical risks and mitigation plans.
• Strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex or ambiguous situations.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Transportation regulations related to transportation of dangerous goods.
• Experience using artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, support analysis, and streamline workflows.
• Experience with support systems such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Microsoft Office Suite, CAPE, and graphics approval software.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end packaging development for North America Region projects, including primary, secondary, and e-commerce packaging.
• Create robust specifications for packaging components, finished goods, and pallet factors, and ensure accurate bill of materials (BOM) setup.
• Collaborate with project managers and cross-functional teams to establish timelines, lead technical discussions, influence decisions, own packaging deliverables and milestones, and develop and execute technical risk mitigation plans.
• Support growth, business continuity, sustainability, and cost-saving projects while following established technical processes and procedures.
• Complete technical deliverables accurately and on time.
• Conduct package performance, compatibility, and distribution testing for packaging component changes and new formulations.
• Develop validation and line qualification plans; perform laboratory tests and line trials; and document results in technical reports and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Lead cross-functional investigations of complex packaging issues, determine and own corrective actions, execute mitigation plans, and drive resolution while protecting production schedules and product quality.
• Apply root cause analysis and problem-solving to identify product and process design factors that support successful product design and implementation.
• Lead or participate in process-improvement workstreams to strengthen packaging development, standardize technical practices, and improve project efficiency and execution.
• Contribute to the Packaging Community of Practice by sharing technical learnings and supporting packaging best practices.

Benefits

• Compensation packages may include bonuses, long-term incentives, matching 401(k) contributions, and profit sharing, depending on company profitability, job level, and years of service.
• Subsidized health care plans.
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Vacation purchase options.
• Recreation and fitness centers.
• Childcare.
• Counseling services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level