Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

As a Packaging Engineer for our U.S. consumer packaging facility in Columbus, GA, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of packaging solutions for a diverse portfolio, including alkaline batteries, lithium coin cells, rechargeable Ni-MH cells, and lithium primary cells.

A Packaging Engineer should have the capability to read and interpret process information; and understand the impact their actions have on the quality objective.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

This position will have responsibility for optimization of packaging-related costs, including introduction of automation concepts, waste elimination, and packaging efficiency. This role manages the full lifecycle packaging materials — from the material suppliers to retail blister packs seen on store shelves to the management of consumer packaging waste materials.

Core responsibilities:

• Retail & Consumer Design : Develop innovative primary packaging for consumer retail (e.g., blister cards, multipacks) that enhances brand presence while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, product security, product marking requirements, and ease of use.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety : Ensure all packaging complies with stringent global safety standards, including UN38.3 (transportation) and DOT/IATA HazMat regulations. Ensure contents of packaging materials comply with regulatory requirements.
• Technical Specifications : Create and maintain detailed Bill of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and technical specifications for all packaging components.
• Performance Testing : Execute rigorous validation protocols, including drop, vibration, and environmental stress testing, to guarantee integrity across the global supply chain.
• Sustainability & Cost Optimization : Lead initiatives to reduce packaging waste, transition to sustainable/recyclable materials, and optimize palletization patterns using software like Cape Pack or TOPS.
• Manufacturing Support : Partner with the production teams to integrate packaging designs with high-speed automated assembly lines and troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Vendor Management : Partner with Procurement team to source and qualify packaging suppliers, conducting periodic business reviews and plant audits to ensure quality and cost-competitiveness.

Required qualifications:

• Education : Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience : 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably within high-volume consumer goods.
• Technical Skills : Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and ArtiosCAD. Knowledge of materials like corrugated board, folding cartons, thermoformed plastics, and flexible films.
• Soft Skills : Strong project management ability to lead cross-functional teams (Marketing, Quality, Sales, Production, and Supply Chain) on new product launches.
• Occasional international travel is required.

Preferred skills:

• Experience with lithium battery shipping regulations and UN-certified packaging.
• Familiarity with automated packaging machinery and robotics.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to read, analyze, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Panasonic Energy Corporation of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Pre-employment background check and drug testing is required. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the United States. Competitive compensation and benefit package is provided.

Applicants under the age of 18: No minor under 16 years of age shall be permitted to work during the hours when public or private schools are in session unless said minor has completed senior high school or has been excused from attendance in school by a county or independent school system board of education in accordance with the general policies and regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education.

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest.

Benefits:

• Employee Coverage: Monthly premiums $57.00/Deductible $300 per year
• Family Coverage: Monthly premiums $201.000/Deductible $600 per year
• 401k Retirement Saving - Company match up to 5%
• Relocation Reimbursement (if applicable)

Occasional international travel is required.