Packaging Engineer

Job Description: Packaging Engineer

SUMMARY
Directs and coordinates daily activities centered on the packaging needs for the Materials organization. The primary role of the Packaging Engineer is to manage packaging innovation and development. This person will be responsible for driving continuous improvement of package performance and economics through better design engineering, and innovation initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for implementing, improving, and maintaining the Packaging standards for inbound components and raw material.
• Responsible for implementing customer packaging standards for outbound material in alignment with business objectives.
• Develop plant specific packaging guidelines complying with Corporate Guidelines while considering safety, plant specific racking, line side presentation needs, and equipment constraints.
• Acquire and assess pertinent benchmark data to effectively plan strategies and allow data-based decision-making using company’s continuous improvement processes.
• Work with indirect suppliers to assure supplier conformance to packing item specifications.
• Work with direct suppliers to assure supplier conformance to packaging standards.
• Monitor and maintain packaging costs and lead projects to reduce packaging costs.
• Monitor and maintain packaging Bills of Materials.
• Maintain specifications on all packaging items and assign part numbers for new packaging items.
• Maintain item master standard pack quantity and audit for conformance.
• Provide packaging quotes, as required, using company approved packaging suppliers.

• Communicate with all North America plants regarding packaging specifications and changes.
• Design and purchase cost-effective and compliant returnable or expendable packaging systems through interaction with operations, production, quality, and safety.
• Coordinate packaging trials for qualification, validation, and approvals internally and externally.
• Identify opportunities with current production packaging concepts and implement savings.
• Support implementation of new suppliers for corrugated, returnable, repairs, etc.
• Develop and communicate the impact of packaging process improvements – implement KPI’s related to cost, quality, and delivery.
• Update all production line documentation, Plex, and customer portals with necessary packaging information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 1-5 years demonstrated work experience in packaging design/specification, engineering drawings/specs, engineering change control, various returnable & expendable packaging media,

Plan For Every Part, and Lean Manufacturing is preferred.

• Experience with inventory management, material flow and line side presentation.
• Proficiency with MS Office and CAD tools is highly recommended.
• Strong analytical skills and creativity.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to overnight travel to meet customers and suppliers. In addition, ability to day travel to the various manufacturing facilities as required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Mandatory Technical Skills:

• B.S. Degree in Packaging Engineering, Plastics or Polymer Engineering or Packaging Science.
• Knowledge of packaging development experience in automotive operations environment.
• Fully operational in project management and reporting with sited demonstrated competence.
• Experience in rigid container design (aesthetics, moldability, hinged lids and assembly).
• Experience working with industrial designers and CAD designers in the early stage of innovation.

Preferred Business Skills

• Degree from Michigan State University or other packaging schools.
• Six Sigma, green / black belt certification, Kaizen, or continuous improvement experience.
• Understanding of CAD, engineering drawing conventions
• Fluent in MS project manager, Power Point and Excel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to 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. This employee regularly works in an office environment. Occasionally the employee works in the manufacturing area around moving mechanical equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.