Packaging Engineer

Packaging EngineerClark Associates is a family of companies serving the foodservice industry through multiple distribution channels, including the industry-leading ecommerce platform WebstaurantStore.com, The Restaurant Store retail locations, and Clark National Accounts. As our catalog grows, we're expanding our engineering team by adding a Packaging Engineer to help lead that growth.We're hiring a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, validate, and optimize packaging systems for new and existing products. This is a hands-on role: you'll spend time in our design lab prototyping and testing packaging, and in our warehouses identifying opportunities for improvement. You'll partner closely with Procurement, Quality, Compliance, and Supply Chain to ensure packaging meets performance, compliance, cost, and sustainability requirements.Job LocationHybrid: Some in-person work required. 2257 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602We only accept W-2 candidates, H-1B sponsorship is not available.ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop structural packaging solutions for new and existing productsLead packaging development projects from concept through commercializationDesign structural packaging using design software, then build and test physical prototypes in our design labPlan and execute package validation testing, including drop, vibration, compression, transit, and distribution for new and existing productsEvaluate packaging materials — plastics, paperboard, corrugated, labels, films, foams, or pulp molds — for functionality, quality, and cost-effectivenessIdentify opportunities to cut shipping costs through DIM weight optimization and carrier-specific packaging strategies to minimize dimensional weight fees and in-transit damage across our delivery partnersDevelop packaging specifications, drawings, and technical documentationAnalyze carrier damage claims, return rates, and customer complaint data to identify root causes and prioritize corrective actions for packaging-related issuesTrack key packaging KPIs — damage rate, cost per package, DIM savings, and complaint rate — to measure program effectiveness and guide prioritiesEnsure compliance with GMP, FDA, ISO, ASTM, and ISTA standardsPartner with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Compliance, Operations, and Procurement — including developing packaging SOPs, training DC staff, and auditing adherence across facilitiesWork with Procurement and Global Sourcing to build the business case weighing the cost of packaging improvements against damage costs, customer experience, and other impactsPhysical RequirementsWork is performed while sitting/standing and interfacing with a personal computer.Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.Requires the regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.Requires occasional bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.Requires the ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50lbs.QualificationsExperience2–5 years of experience in packaging development or package engineeringHands-on prototyping and testing experience — not just CAD design workExperience with ArtiosCAD, Solidworks, or similar structural packaging design softwareKnowledge of packaging validation and performance testingStrong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsOccasional overnight travel to our warehouse network (less than 15% of the time), plus occasional international travel to work with overseas manufacturing partners5 days per week on-site at our Lancaster campus under normal circumstances.EducationThis role does not require a degree. We value relevant skills and experience and alignment with our core values above all else.Desired Traits & SkillsIndustrial engineering background, particularly process optimization, Lean, Six Sigma, or Design for Manufacturability (DFM)Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, consumer products, food & beverage, or manufacturing industriesKnowledge of ISTA, ASTM, ISO 11607, FDA, and GMP requirementsExperience with packaging line equipment, automation, and supplier qualification/commercializationExperience with drag knife tables, CNC equipment, and 3D printersIOPP certification