Sr. Associate, Development Engineering Packaging

SC Johnson•Racine, WI

3d•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 new product launches, packaging enhancements, and line extensions, ensuring solutions meet business needs and market requirements. You will lead packaging activities for projects addressing supply chain resilience, cost reduction, sustainability, manufacturing efficiency, and e-commerce requirements. Working with cross-functional teams, you will deliver innovative and reliable solutions, provide technical guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and support successful project execution. The role reports to a Research Development and Engineering (RD&E) Manager and contributes to packaging innovation and continuous improvement across the business. 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. The role is eligible for domestic relocation and requires the ability to lift 10–40 pounds.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, take initiative, and deliver results.
Experience with e-commerce packaging design, certifications, and qualifications.
Effective oral and written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical topics 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 multiple 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, integration of post-consumer recycled materials, and understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
Experience with Association of Plastic Recyclers test methods and applications.
Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, 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 the transportation of dangerous goods.
Experience using artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, support analysis, and streamline workflows.
Experience with support systems such as PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), 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 technical decisions, own packaging deliverables and milestones, and develop and execute technical risk mitigation plans.
Focus on 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 to support packaging component changes or new formulations.
Develop validation and line qualification plans; perform laboratory tests and line trials; and document results in technical reports and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
Lead cross-functional investigations of complex packaging-related issues, determine corrective actions using technical expertise and data-driven judgment, execute mitigation plans, and drive resolution while protecting production schedules and product quality.
Apply root cause analysis and problem-solving skills to identify product and process design factors that contribute to successful product design and project implementation.
Lead or participate in process-improvement workstreams to strengthen packaging development processes, standardize technical practices, and improve project efficiency and execution.
Contribute technical learnings to the Packaging Community of Practice and support adoption of packaging best practices.

Benefits

Salary and total compensation packages at or above industry levels; packages may include bonuses and long-term incentives, depending on company, role, and service factors.
Matching 401(k) contributions.
Profit sharing based 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.