Scope:

The Packaging Engineer will work under the guidance of the Sr. Packaging Engineer to identify areas to streamline processes and procedures. This position is responsible for working on cost saving initiatives and special projects. They will develop standards to identify quality issues and implement process improvement plans cross-functionally with Plant Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, and QA. This role is critical in keeping our manufacturing teams supplied with highest quality, best in class material/design at the lowest cost while driving efficiencies and value through Heartland advantaged relationships. They will assure organizational objectives are met at the highest quality consistent with company and customer cost expectations.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Works with Operations, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, and Marketing teams to continuously improve the packaging specifications system.
• Sees special projects through to completion and documents results for best practices.
• Effectively manages handoff from successful plant trials of new products while working closely with Manufacturing, QA, and Engineering to ensure efficient commercialization.

• Inspects and ensures manufacturing specifications are up-to-date and accurate.
• Identifies and implements improvements in palletization optimization.
• Identifies and implements improvements in design for existing materials to drive out costs.
• Communicates with packaging materials vendors on various key points of service, and ensures compliance with accepted specifications and continuous improvement.
• Analyzes drawings and other technical data to determine appropriate attributes of packaging materials to meet customer specifications and production capabilities.
• Contributes towards innovative ideas leading to improved packaging technologies, and solving consumer application-related challenges.
• Helps manage end-of-life (EOL) activities with Purchasing, Operations, and Commercialization to run out discontinued packaging.

Qualifications:

• BA degree in Management, Business, Packaging, Engineering or related field required
• Experience in the Food Processing industry working with consumer-packaged goods preferred
• Working knowledge of packaging related manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, printing, die-cutting, injection and extrusion blow molding
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (corrugated, paperboard, ridged plastics, flexible pouches), and characteristics for packaging structural design
• Experience with TOPS/CAPE pallet building software preferred

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions

• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center
• Lifting up to 40 pounds