Packaging Engineer

Focus: Technical leadership, cross-functional alignment, packaging strategy & improvement

• Leads complex packaging projects across multiple product families or value streams
• Develops & validates packaging solutions considering manufacturability, sustainability, cost, logistics, and regulatory requirements
• Leads packaging testing protocols and establishes qualification criteria
• Mentors L1-L2 engineers and technicians on packaging design, trials, and documentation standards
• Works cross-functionally to optimize packaging lines, improve assembly efficiency, and solve packaging quality issues

Process Design and Improvement

• Lead moderate to complex packaging design projects that align with product requirements, production capabilities, and cost targets.

• Develop and refine packaging solutions including primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging to support product protection, branding, and operational efficiency.

• Create and maintain packaging documentation such as drawings, specifications, bill of materials, and work instructions in compliance with internal standards.

• Conduct packaging trials and validation testing (e.g., drop tests, compression tests, line trials) to verify performance and robustness.

• Identify and implement packaging process improvements that enhance packaging line efficiency, reduce material waste, and support automation initiatives.

• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and procurement to evaluate new materials and technologies for feasibility and integration.

• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by analyzing packaging performance metrics and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Technical Knowledge and Expertise

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of packaging materials, converting processes, and equipment integration across multiple product lines.

• Conduct in-depth performance testing and validation using standardized protocols (e.g., ISTA, ASTM) and internal requirements, ensuring designs meet technical and regulatory standards.

• Evaluate and implement new packaging materials or formats in coordination with suppliers, considering product protection, efficiency, and environmental impact.

• Stay current with industry trends, innovations, and evolving regulations to inform strategy and continuous improvement efforts.

Leadership

• Lead medium-scale packaging engineering projects with limited supervision, coordinating across functions such as production, quality, and logistics.

• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and reporting to ensure alignment with business needs and production schedules.

• Support onboarding of new Packaging Engineers and Technicians by sharing knowledge of tools, processes, and standards.

• Provide guidance to junior engineers (L1-L2) on design principles, documentation, and testing protocols.

• Offer informal coaching and feedback on technical and project execution best practices.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to resolve packaging-related challenges.

• Represent the packaging function in daily and project-level production or NPI meetings when assigned.

• Begin developing leadership presence by taking initiative in problem-solving, improvement workshops, and technical reviews.

Collaboration and Partnership

• Work collaboratively with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Logistics teams to support packaging design, testing, and implementation activities.

• Contribute technical insights during design reviews, project meetings, and readiness assessments to ensure packaging solutions are aligned with operational and customer needs.

• Communicate packaging specifications and requirements with material and equipment suppliers.

• Support the qualification of new suppliers or materials in coordination with the Procurement and Quality teams.

• Partner with production personnel to address packaging process challenges, improve packaging efficiency, and ensure seamless integration of new packaging designs.

• Collaborate with other engineers to share knowledge, align on standard practices, and contribute to a cohesive engineering approach.

• Participate in consumer experience reviews and incorporate relevant feedback into design iterations.

Risk Management

• Evaluate potential safety, ergonomic, and quality risks associated with new and existing packaging formats.

• Proactively implement design changes or material improvements to mitigate risk across the packaging lifecycle.

• Lead or support qualification protocols for packaging (e.g., ISTA testing, stability, transit simulation).

• Ensure packaging specifications comply with relevant regulatory and industry standards.

• Review and approve labeling, artwork, and compliance documentation in partnership with Regulatory and Product Management.

• Lead investigations into packaging-related non-conformances and customer complaints.

• Participate in structured root cause analyses and drive packaging related corrective/preventive action implementation.

• Lead packaging risk evaluations (e.g., PFMEA) to prioritize mitigation strategies during new product introductions and packaging changes.

• Ensure risk-based thinking is embedded in packaging projects from development through commercialization.

• Collaborate with suppliers to verify quality standards for packaging materials.

• Participate in supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance with Schluter's packaging performance expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, with a strong focus on design, development, and validation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
• Experience in designing cost-effective, protective, and sustainable packaging solutions across multiple product types and shipping modes.
• Experience conducting packaging feasibility studies, material selection, DFM/DFA evaluations, and prototyping for both manual and automated lines.
• Success in developing packaging standards, specifications, and BOMs in alignment with production requirements.
• Exposure to launching packaging on new or altered equipment and working closely with Manufacturing, Automation, and Maintenance to support integration and validation.
• Familiarity with equipment trials, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and ramp-up of new packaging lines.\
• Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or CI methodologies with packaging-related process improvements (e.g., throughput, changeover, material usage, ergonomics).
• Experience utilizing root cause analysis, FMEA, and statistical tools to identify and eliminate packaging-related defects, waste, and variability.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships, overseeing packaging component development, testing, qualification, and change control.
• Prior experience coordinating with logistics and fulfillment to ensure packaging robustness throughout the distribution chain.
• Experience with packaging regulations and standards (e.g., ISTA, ASTM, FDA, UN/DOT, EU requirements).
• Skilled in supporting compliance documentation, labeling requirements, and audit readiness (internal, customer, or regulatory).
• Balances project delivery with team development, resource planning, and strategic roadmap creation.
• Proficient in CAD tools (e.g., ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks), packaging design software, packaging simulation tools, and ERP/PLM systems.
• Experience with digital document control, change management systems, and data analytics for packaging performance and defect tracking.
• Experience presenting data-driven recommendations to leadership and translating plant floor needs into actionable engineering plans.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (word, powerpoint, excel, visio)
  • Willingness to adapt and learn new skills to increase efficiency

COMPANY BENEFITS

• Competitive Compensation

• Generous Paid Time Off

• 10 Paid Holidays

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Biannual Bonus Program

• 401k with Company Match

• Company Paid Life Insurance

• Annual Reviews and Merit Based Raises

• Room for Advancement and Career Growth

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Schluter Systems is a family-owned and internationally renowned company that has been rapidly growing over the last 10 years. The Schluter brand is backed by a team of people working together to create a line of innovative products that provide solutions to the tile industry. We're looking to build our team with individuals who like to think BIG and want to be part of what makes our products extraordinary. We are a company that treats its employees, suppliers, and customers as long-term partners. Where success is built on a win-win philosophy and everyone should benefit.
"Profit is not the goal of the business. Profit is the consequence of a job well done" Werner Schluter, Founder
Are you interested in a truly unique and special company? Hear from our employees on what it means to be part of the Schluter family: . Then if you're ready to see life in Orange, talk to us about this career opportunity at Schluter Systems.

This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions in this job grade, with the final offer depending on factors like experience, education, location, and other relevant considerations. Additionally, this role qualifies for extra benefits beyond the base pay range mentioned.


At Schluter Systems, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and ensures all individuals are valued and supported, without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, and transfers. All employment decisions at Schluter Systems L.P. are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs.


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Salary Description


Starting at $90,000/year, depending on experience