Packaging Engineer (UFOM) - Equity Packaging Inc. - North America

This Role is based in New Jersey and is a hybrid onsite role ideally.

Broad function and scope of the position:

This is a Packaging Development position responsible for delivering against the packaging innovation, margin enhancement and quality agenda. The candidate will have the opportunity to lead and execute packaging development initiatives from concept to commercialization, working closely with the packaging team, operations, procurement, business teams and other internal and external partners. The individual must possess technical skills and the ability to handle multiple projects at the same time. The candidate must demonstrate leadership and the ability to be a strong team player representing our technical organization.

Primary responsibilities of the position in order of importance

• Lead development and commercialization of productivity packaging initiatives, working closely with cross-functional partners (i.e. operations, procurement, business teams, packaging team, and functional partners).
• Technical project leader on cross-functional project teams managing the technical timeline, providing timely communication, outlining issues, risks and contingency plans on multiple projects.
• Properly document and communicate project progress and findings to all key stakeholders.
• Conduct and coordinate functional testing including plant trials, lab testing, shelf life studies and material vendor evaluations, including analysis of data, results and follow up recommendations and action plans.
• Develops written packaging specifications and completes thorough plant trial reports. Ensure all Packaging Quality expectations are delivered.
• Responsible for identifying, defining and solving technical packaging challenges
• Generates creative ideas, innovations and approaches to technical programs
• Develop cooperative working relationships with procurement, cross-functional teams, the manufacturing plants (internal & external) as well as external packaging material vendors
• Understanding of the financial impact of packaging programs and the linkage of packaging to business strategies.

FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:

• Experience working in a Research, Development and Quality function.
• Experience managing projects within a plant environment (Product Development, Process Technology, New Product Commercialization, etc.).
• Planning and project management abilities.
• Experience in package development processes.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in development, trials and commercialization of packaging initiatives.
• Candidates with first hand working knowledge of food packaging will be preferred.