Packaging Engineer

Alphia•Ogden, UT

About The Position

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

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Packaging
0-3 years related experience
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
Proficient with MS Office Products
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
Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure

Nice To Haves

Internship or co-op experience highly preferred
SAGE, SAP or other ERP system knowledge preferred
Experience using various packaging software and packaging testing equipment
Experience in technical functions such as: Packaging Testing, Inspections, Supplier Audits, Technical Reports, General Packaging Equipment Knowledge

Responsibilities

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
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
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