Staff Packaging Design Engineer

Niagara Bottling•Diamond Bar, CA

1d•$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 2–5 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, conducts line trials to approve designs for production, maintains a design library, monitors vendor progress, and uses simulation to improve design outcomes and reduce time to market. The role includes developing software tools, performing laboratory testing, working with suppliers and new technologies, and traveling up to 33% domestically. The job description notes that duties and responsibilities may change.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience in the position; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience with standardized CAD software; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience in new product development, concept creation, and prototyping; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience in rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience in finite element modeling, preferably with ANSYS.
Ability to travel domestically.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
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 tasks through to completion.
Clear oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to speak persuasively in positive or negative situations.
Clear written communication, including effective presentation of numerical data and ability to read and interpret written information.
Ability to communicate effectively and manage expectations.

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.
Oversee project direction, including planning, task prioritization, and implementation management.
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 the Product Development team to understand customer needs, design 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 on projects and communicate appropriate prioritization.
Use simulation to project design outcomes and reduce time to market.
Develop new software tools and support general laboratory testing.
Visit new suppliers and learn about new technologies.
Complete finite element analysis on new bottle designs.
Complete 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.
Use rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing technology.
Analyze data and use simulation capabilities.
Communicate through documents and presentations.
Lead cross-functional teams.
Travel domestically up to 33%.

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.
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 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.
Annual bonus target of 10%.
Competitive compensation and benefits packages. Regular full-time team members receive a comprehensive benefits package; part-time, intern, and seasonal team members receive a limited benefits package.