Packaging Engineer

The Packaging Engineer at Sauder provides leadership to the design and testing of packaging material for all domestic ready-to-assemble products. This role requires a strong commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability. You will be responsible for exploring new materials and methods to optimize packaging costs, enhance performance, and reduce environmental impact.

This position is onsite with partial hybrid opportunity after the training period. Minimal travel required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the general packaging material requirements for all domestic RTA products (excluding the carton graphics).
• Search for new materials and methods that will optimize total packaging costs and improve packaging performance, while minimizing the environmental impact.
• Understand the total costs of the packaging including, material costs, development costs, packing costs as well as repair part costs and D&D costs due to transit damage.
• Determine the correct transit testing for Sauder RTA products and the appropriate passing criteria to minimize the total cost.
• Ensure that all customer packaging requirements/testing are met.
• Manage data analytics of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation that develops.
• Be the NPD expert and liaison for packaging issues.
• Audit package performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and monitor metrics that will provide feedback on the effectiveness and the total cost of the packaging materials being used.
• Improve the package development process to reduce the lead times and improve cost estimating accuracy.
• Work with the retail customers to understand their packaging performance needs to help reduce product damage in their distribution channels.
• Monitor the Sauder finished goods warehouses looking for improvement opportunities for packaging material and layouts.
• Serve as the final approval for the part layouts for all new products.
• Provide guidance and support to SGS as well as other department’s packaging requests.
• Manage and schedule projects to hit project deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and proficiency in Office suite
• Critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated
• Advanced analytical skills
• Positive attitude and the ability to deal effectively with a collaborative team environment
• Willingness to try new methods of packaging
• Flexible and able to adapt to the changing needs of the process and company
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering preferred.  Combination of education and experience will be considered

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excel Visual Basic for Application (VBA) code knowledge
• SAP experience
• Inventor (CAD software) experience
• Knowledge of ISTA standards
• Packaging certifications through ISTA or IoPP beneficial

PAY SUMMARY

Expected offer range: $ 57,000-$76,000/year. The actual salary will be based on factors such as relevant experience and skills. The max salary listed is not the top of the salary band.