We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead packaging development projects from initiation through launch. Someone who loves working across cross-functional teams and aiming for continuous improvements and exploratory platforms for next-generational package design and materials selection.

The Packaging Engineer will liaise between DELK and its contract manufacturers to communicate quality requirements and ensure activities are tracked and met.

The perfect candidate will thrive in an environment that requires thinking on your feet, handing ambiguity, and managing ever-changing prioritization of tasks.

Entrepreneurship is in our DNA, but with the stability of a 20-year, privately owned company. It’s the best of both worlds!

While only 30 employees, we are doing BIG things with BIG INTERNATIONAL customers. If you are tired of the grind of a large company atmosphere and are truly ready to impact change-- then DELK is the place for YOU!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage complete packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing
• Structural design of all types of material packaging (e.g. corrugate, paperboard, plastic, film, etc.)
• Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving structural designs, materials and processes and provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions
• Analyze product specifications to determine adequate and compliant packaging characteristics, transportation handling, environmental and safety requirements
• Work closely with global suppliers, Project Management, Operations, Sourcing, Product Development, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to optimize lead-time, regionalization, standardization, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements
• Support all activities involved to achieve merchandising objectives and new product launch plans
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and implementation processes of product packaging
• Specify and recommend efficiency tools and in-house test methods to develop and validate packaging designs and quality
• Develop and implement comprehensive third-party test plans (transit, compression, vibration tests, etc.) to ensure that packaging meets and exceeds customer specifications
• Prepare, document, and ensure maintenance of all engineering and manufacturing specifications, and bill of materials of packaging designs according to required specification
• Establish and prepare final die-lines (die layout) for retail packaging and display units
• Produce 3D rendering of display and pallet layout
• Provide packaging tech pack with component breakdown and specifications for quoting purposes
• Establish standards and guidelines for supplier evaluation. Evaluate and select packaging suppliers/vendors; periodically conduct vendor reviews
• Coordinate and manage tasks and communication with both domestic and international packaging suppliers
• Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage
• Work closely with Logistics to optimize loading plans and freight cost
• Work with the overseas suppliers to insure that the packaging designs are optimized for manufacturability
• Create display assembling instruction manuals
• Full understanding of overseas corrugate cost drivers

NOTE: International Travel likely. Approximately two annual trips overseas and two annual trips domestic.

REQUIRED SKILL SET

• Self-manage projects and deadlines, strong organizational skills
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• The desire to drive completion of tasks in a thorough detailed manner
• Clear communicator and possess the ability to present to upper management and key stake holders throughout the organization
• Proficiency in Artios CAD, Cape Pack, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project)
• Strong understanding of consumer goods packaging

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering; Packaging strongly preferred, mechanical/chemical considered
• Minimum 5 years of industry related experience
• Experienced with retail customers and consumer goods
• Overseas experience is a plus, but not required