Packaging Engineer (UFHM)

Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Role is a hybrid onsite role for Harrisburg, PA.

Details

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Packaging R&D and working at Customer's Technical Center, the Senior Packaging Engineer position provides project leadership of some medium/high complexity projects, leading workstreams within larger projects and programs. A medium to high level of autonomy of medium/high-level complexity projects, or high level of autonomy for low complexity projects is expected . A successful candidate is expected to have an advanced knowledge of technical competencies with a focus on building technical breadth. This candidate is expected to communicate project updates to cross-functional team members and management.

Specific Role Focus Area:

• Responsible for proactively driving Front of Funnel innovation development efforts, creating a holistic approach to packaging design that delights the consumer and enables competitive advantage.
• Work closely with Global Marketing Innovation to create highly differentiated concepts and technology platforms by linking consumer insights to new ideas.
• Manage work with external suppliers, technology partners, universities, and design agencies to enable agile development and bring new-to-world packaging technologies to life.
• Identify and demonstrate proof of principle of innovative packaging and packaging equipment. Gather and translate insights into potential strategic packaging opportunities.
• Leverage insights to determine occasion-based packaging needs and develop functional attributes that enhance consumer experience.
• Acts as a strategic business partner supporting Customer's Global Innovation team.
• Leverage external network to support Open Innovation in technology scouting for novel applications and opportunities. Identify strategic packaging technology suppliers, ensure partnerships are developed and supplier innovation activities are aligned with company innovation needs.
• Work collaboratively with Legal and Technical Intelligence teams to determine best way to leverage Intellectual Property and ensure proper documentation is in place to protect innovations. Identify patent, competitive and cross-industry activity to assess opportunities and infringement risks.
• Assist line manager in budget planning and project spend.

This role will interact and partner with:

• Product Development
• Technology Development
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Marketing
• Supply chain
• External vendors and organizations

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Demonstrated consumer focused mind set and can apply design thinking facilitated by a good knowledge of materials and equipment to solve consumer needs and deliver meaningful experiences.
• Experience with design and development of innovative packaging solutions is considered a key advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to harness strategic thinking to solve difficult problems with effective solutions
• Good understanding of the technical aspects of packaging including different materials, converting technologies, equipment, and processes
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced, ambiguous work environment
• Ability to prioritize against business initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Ability to effectively influence, negotiate, and communicate with internal and external business partners
• Ability to manage risk & communicate effectively in project team/leadership
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills to constructively challenge the status quo
• Self-motivated and takes initiative/action with minimal direction
• Demonstrated capability to innovate and find improved ways of working
• Results driven with strong business acumen
• Global mindset with consumer focus
• Excellent presentation skills and written, verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate/explore ideas with others, as well as being able to facilitate the innovation process and internal ideation workshops
• Travel: Up to 20% (to Customer plants, supplier & other manufacturing locations as applicable)