Staff Packaging Design Engineer

Niagara Bottling•Diamond Bar, CA

8d•$127,449 - $181,614

About The Position

The Staff Design Engineer is a technical and people leader responsible for designing, developing, and validating new 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, 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 role designs primary packaging components and manages new product design projects from initial design through testing and validation. It works with the Product Development team to understand customer needs, meet specific design requests and deadlines, perform production line trials, maintain a design library, monitor vendor progress, and use simulation to improve design outcomes and reduce time to market. Additional work includes developing software tools, supporting laboratory testing, and visiting suppliers to learn new technologies. Domestic travel of up to 33% is required. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience, along with at least six years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment, in the position, in standardized CAD software, in new product development, and in rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing. Six years of finite element modeling experience, preferably with ANSYS, is also required. The posted annual salary range is $127,448.59 to $181,614.27, with a 10% annual bonus target.

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 new product development experience, including concept creation and prototyping.
At least 6 years of rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing experience.
At least 6 years of finite element modeling experience, preferably with ANSYS.
Ability to travel domestically.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
Experience working with rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing technology.
Advanced data analysis and simulation capabilities.
Publication-quality written communication and presentation skills.
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.
Clear oral communication and presentation skills.
Clear written communication, including effective presentation of numerical data and interpretation of written information.
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 new product development experience, including concept creation and prototyping.
10 or more years of rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing experience.
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.
Coordinate multiple projects with varying levels of 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 closures, preforms, and bottles.
Work with Product Development to understand customer needs, design to customer specifications, and provide requested documents by customer deadlines.
Project-manage new product design 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 appropriate 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.
Complete injection mold simulations.
Develop blow-molded bottle and preform designs and calculations to ensure compatibility.
Design and implement software to decrease new product implementation timelines.
Analyze and resolve plant requests.
Develop 3D print files for internal customers.
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.

Benefits

Paid time off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical coverage, including virtual care options.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
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 accident plans.
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.