Packaging Process Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Packaging/Process Engineerfor our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Macon, GA.
This position will be responsible for managing the design, development, and engineering process for packaging of new and existing products from concept design through production launch to ensure customer satisfaction.
Principal responsibilities include:

• Directs development, testing and evaluations of new and existing primary, secondary, pallet load and tertiary packaging systems to ensure compatibility of design, machinability, and shipping distribution. Collaborates with Marketing, Quality Assurance, Product Development, and Manufacturing to implement appropriate procedures for qualifying new package designs, incorporating product compatibility, functionality, performance, and low-cost easy manufacturing suitability, with emphasis on cost savings, quality, and marketability.
• Solicits and applies feedback from internal and external customers; focused to respond promptly to customer needs and understand current and future expectations. Interacts with marketing, manufacturing, product development, equipment engineering, graphics, and shipping/transportation personnel to optimize package design, equipment requirements and development efforts.
• Support packaging automation equipment set-up, troubleshooting, good run settings and training. Experience with stacker/bagger, case packer, palletizer programming is a plus.
• Prototypes packaging and models using appropriate materials: flexible, corrugated, and folding carton manufacturing, plastic film and pressure sensitive labels, and other materials as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains documentation and communications for specifications database that supports package component specifications, pallet configurations, packaging procedures, and interdepartmental Packaging Processes to facilitate management of change for Package Development activities. Identifies materials of construction for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components and point of purchase displays. Assists in development of Bills of Materials, and cost analysis.
• Initiates cost reduction projects and cost avoidance opportunities that include packaging redesign initiatives, package component consolidation, and production line efficiencies.
• Accompanies sales and marketing personnel to meet with distributor management personnel concerning packaging or damage problems.
• Interviews suppliers of packaging materials and, in consort with purchasing manager, selects most appropriate materials for use.
• Attends professional activities and events to acquire and expand expertise to keep current and advise on emerging trends in packaging technologies, and environmental/ regulatory requirements.
• Consults with company's product liability counsel to determine any product liability impact of new designs.
• Prepare developmental prototypes and mock-ups for market presentation utilizing prototyping equipment.

The successful candidate will have the following skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent required.
• Three to five years' experience in consumer product packaging development and design required.
• Standard knowledge of CAD, Package design software like ArtiosCAD, MS Office, Excel, Access, Project, and ERP System (Data Works).
• Previous experience supporting high speed manufacturing packaging automation equipment: training troubleshooting and set-up reduction.
• Proficiency required in all areas of Packaging Engineering. Includes knowledge of flexible, corrugated, and folding carton manufacturing, plastics thermoforming, plastic film and laminations, pre-formed bags, pressure sensitive labels, printing techniques and processes, and artwork/graphics development interface. Trained in the use of measuring devices and techniques to analyze materials, components, shipping / test simulations. Able to apply, analyze and improve control processes.
• Ability to conduct initiatives that include packaging line trials, shipping/distribution testing, and ISTA/ASTM testing for new and existing products. Schedule, support and perform experimental trials and tests as required and document procedures and results.
• Ability to work in a cross-functionally team with procurement, technology, supply chain, product stewardship and other disciplines, as needed, to specify and qualify new package types to ensure successful New Product development launches.
• Provide technical support to maintenance and production operations by participating in troubleshooting and structured problem-solving events to reduce equipment downtime and continuous improvement projects.
• Conduct value analysis activities to identify and implement packaging material and structural changes to improve production and labor efficiencies.
• Work with Manufacturing Operations Personnel and Process Engineers to implement standard methods for work instructions, return to service protocols and equipment risk profiles.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Communicates clearly and accurately with diverse groups within the company (Marketing, Graphics, QA, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Shipping/Distribution) and with external customers and suppliers.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical abilities. Ability to think on the fly and proactively apply and validate new learning's and adapts innovative techniques and breakthrough ideas.

First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.
First Quality is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.