Sr Packaging Engineer

Sloan•Franklin Park, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Packaging Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, testing, optimization, and implementation of packaging solutions that protect products, optimize supply chain efficiency, support sustainability initiatives, and enhance the customer experience. In this role, you will provide technical expertise and lead cross-functional packaging initiatives with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Distribution, Marketing, and external suppliers to develop innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Sloan's Senior Packaging Engineer independently manages complex packaging projects, provides technical guidance to stakeholders, and drives packaging improvements, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
5+ Years Experience in packaging engineering, packaging design, or packaging development within a manufacturing environment
Proficiency with 3D CAD software for packaging design and engineering drawings
Strong understanding of packaging testing methodologies and industry standards, including ISTA, ASTM, or equivalent.
Familiarity with sustainability initiatives, recyclable packaging, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.
Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated experience independently managing packaging projects and supporting new product development and cross-functional engineering initiatives.
Experience developing and implementing packaging solutions across multiple products, processes, or locations.

Responsibilities

Lead complex cross-functional packaging initiatives supporting Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, Distribution, Warehousing, and Sustainability objectives.
Lead the design, development, optimization, and implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions for new and existing products.
Develop and refine packaging concepts, engineering drawings, specifications, and prototypes utilizing 3D CAD software.
Develop and implement advanced packaging designs that improve product protection, transportation efficiency, ergonomics, manufacturability, and overall customer satisfaction.
Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Distribution, Warehousing, and Regulatory teams across all company locations to identify and implement packaging improvements that reduce costs, improve warranty performance, and enhance operational efficiency.
Maintain packaging documentation, specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and related engineering records through the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) process.
Lead collaboration with packaging suppliers to source packaging materials, evaluate quotations and alternatives, resolve technical issues, and support supplier qualification activities.
Determine appropriate packaging validation methods based on product characteristics, transportation environments, and customer requirements.
Conduct packaging performance testing, validation, and documentation to ensure compliance with internal standards and applicable industry testing requirements.
Support and help drive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance through lifecycle management of packaging materials and related documentation.
Identify and implement opportunities to reduce packaging investment, material costs, transportation expenses, and handling costs while maintaining product quality, safety, and delivery performance.
Lead packaging development activities for new product launches by coordinating packaging design, testing, supplier readiness, and production implementation.
Monitor industry trends, emerging packaging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory requirements to recommend continuous improvements.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging standardization, process optimization, cost reduction, and waste reduction.