Packaging Engineer

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE:

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the development, engineering, testing and continuous improvement initiatives that support the overall optimization and cost structure of Alphia’s operations for both new and current packaging.  Many of the Packaging Engineer’s responsibilities will be tactical in nature, requiring creative thinking, internal and external selling, as well as interdepartmental communication.  Additionally, the Packaging Engineer will be focused on identifying and leading packaging initiatives that drive quantifiable savings or efficiency contributions.  At the same time, this person will be expected to focus on task completion by having measurable goals containing specific and aggressive deadlines. 

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Packaging Engineering/Development, Project Management & Continuous Improvement – 60%

• Manage the design, development, testing, trialing and commercializing new packaging and pallet patterns that meet Customers, Operations and Business requirements
• Recommend die-lines and approve artwork related to packaging components
• Maintain knowledge of materials, pallet patterns, equipment, and production to improve existing and new packaging performance across the organization
• Lead and/or participate in packaging projects that support new product launches or internal/external requests
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives that provide total business cost reductions related to packaging through material optimization, equipment modifications or production changes
• Report cost savings initiatives for packaging related projects
• Lead the resolution of packaging issues involving profitability, capacity, product quality and customer complaints to expand competitive advantage
• Interface between supplier, customer and internal stakeholders on new packaging, die lines, pallet patterns, weights/dimensions and press approvals as required
• Responsible for primary, secondary, tertiary and ancillary (stretch wrap, pallets, glue) products that are utilized in the packaging process
• Develops expert knowledge of packaging and product interaction

Packaging Tools, Processes, Specifications and Reporting – 30%

• Responsible for the development of packaging databases, specifications, pallet patterns and testing protocols
• Perform data analysis and create problem solving tools, such as pareto charts and financial business cases
• Develop and report performance metrics as well as scorecards to key stakeholders for monitoring packaging efficiency, scrap, throughput, usage and sustainability initiatives

Supplier Relationship Management and Negotiations – 10%

• Create strategic relationships with key packaging suppliers to support implementation of packaging projects
• Support cost down initiatives through packaging cost optimization
• Develop and implement supplier packaging quality standards across all key categories
• Conduct supplier audits and qualification visits as necessary
• Drive corrective and preventative action requests with suppliers on non-compliant packaging

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Packaging

Experience:

• 0-3 years related experience
• Internship or co-op experience highly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficient with MS Office Products
• SAGE, SAP or other ERP system knowledge preferred
• Experience using various packaging software and packaging testing equipment
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and organizational skills
• General business acumen and financial analysis
• Team player with high energy and self-motivation
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentations) with an ability to effectively communicate complex technical matters across all levels of the organization
• Experience in technical functions such as: Packaging Testing, Inspections, Supplier Audits, Technical Reports, General Packaging Equipment Knowledge
• Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.  The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to 25% of working time, “regularly” means between 26 and 75% of working time, and “frequently” means 76% and more of working time.)

• The employee is frequently required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel, to manipulate keys on a keyboard and view data on a computer screen.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb stairs, walk, reach with arms and hands.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.  Some travel (up to 35%) and overnight stays are required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl or reach above shoulders.  The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle or touch.  The employee must be able to climb stairs and ladders and walk the plant floors that could exceed one mile of travel, per day.
• The employee must exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and / or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

• Office and manufacturing environments.  Occasional extended work hours may be required.  Travel up to 35%, primarily domestic. 
• The employee may be frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area.  Production employees are exposed to temperatures ranging from 50 to 115 degrees, depending on the season and workstation and may be working near moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur.
• The noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running.
• Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices, including appropriate safety equipment apply
• Personal Protection Equipment (including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area. Ear plugs and bump caps are always required in the production area.

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.