Staff Packaging Design Engineer

Niagara Water•Diamond Bar, CA

About The Position

The Staff Design Engineer is a technical and people leader responsible for designing, developing, and validating packaging solutions, including closures, preforms, and bottles. The role uses CAD, 2D/3D modeling, rendering, and simulation tools to support product development and design validation. It manages 2 to 5 direct reports and sets technical direction, prioritizes work, develops team capabilities, coaches performance, and provides mentorship. The position also provides technical leadership to less experienced staff, supports cross-functional design initiatives, and partners with manufacturing plants on design and technical needs. The engineer leads packaging design projects from initial design through testing and validation, performs line trials, maintains a library of designs, monitors vendor progress, and uses simulations to project outcomes and reduce time to market. The role also develops software tools, supports laboratory testing, visits suppliers to learn about new technologies, and travels domestically up to 33% of the time.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment.
At least 6 years of experience in the position.
At least 6 years of experience with standardized CAD software.
At least 6 years of experience in new product development, concept creation, and prototyping.
At least 6 years of experience in rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.
At least 6 years of experience in finite element modeling, preferably with ANSYS.
Ability to travel domestically.
Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Ability to perform finite element analysis, injection mold simulations, and bottle and preform design calculations.
Experience with rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing technology.
Advanced data analysis and simulation capabilities.
Publication-quality written communication skills for documents and presentations.
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and gather and analyze information skillfully.
Detail-oriented and accurate, with the ability to follow processes and complete tasks.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Experience leading cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment.
10 or more years of experience working in the position.
10 or more years of experience with standardized CAD software.
10 or more years of experience in new product development, concept creation, and prototyping.
10 or more years of experience in rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
CAD Design, Injection Molding, or Blow Molding certification.
Elementary proficiency in German, Chinese, or French.

Responsibilities

Lead engineering teams and provide technical assistance.
Set project direction, plan and prioritize tasks, and manage implementation across multiple projects of varying complexity.
Solve complex engineering problems and provide solutions.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with other teams.
Design primary packaging components, including bottles, preforms, and closures.
Work with the Product Development team to understand customer needs, develop designs to specific requests, and provide requested documents by customer deadlines.
Project-manage new product design projects from design through testing and validation.
Perform line trials to approve designs for production.
Manage and maintain a library of designs for future projects.
Monitor vendor progress and communicate project prioritization.
Use simulation to project design outcomes and reduce time to market.
Develop new software tools and support laboratory testing.
Visit new suppliers and learn about new technologies.
Complete finite element analysis on new bottle designs and injection mold simulations.
Complete blow-molded bottle and preform designs and calculations to ensure compatibility.
Design and implement software to decrease new product implementation timelines.
Analyze and provide solutions for plant resolution requests.
Develop 3D print files for internal customer use.
Support the contract manufacturing team with design alteration recommendations that meet customer needs at the lowest cost.
Perform laboratory tests on PET and HDPE products and samples.
Lead cross-functional teams.
Prioritize safety, escalate safety issues, and effectively prioritize work based on department goals.
Respond promptly to internal and external customers and honor commitments.
Recommend continuous improvements to policies, methods, procedures, and products.
Communicate clearly across teams and manage expectations.

Benefits

Paid time off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical coverage, including virtual care options.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling sessions for team members and household family members.
Family Building Benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation, plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements.
Income protection, including Life and AD&D, short- and long-term disability, critical illness, and an accident plan.
Special discount programs, including pet plans, prepaid legal services, identity theft protection, car rental, and airport parking.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.
Annual bonus target of 10%.