About Marks

Marks is a brand design and experience agency that is constructed to meet the unique and dynamic conditions of today’s market. We create meaningful connections between people and brands that make for real results, both commercial and emotional. We use our expertise in translating insight into implementation to produce seamless solutions.

Position Overview

As a Sustainability Engineer, you will report to the Global Head of Engineering and work closely with the engineering and client teams to support projects and aid clients in achieving sustainability goals. You will be responsible for managing projects and covering all technical and sustainability aspects of a project or retainer engagement. Creative problem solving and attention to detail are key to the success of this position. You will support the team in positioning the agency as a strategic and collaborative technical subject matter expert and nimble resource, acting as an extension of the client’s team. As a key member of the Marks Engineering team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our sustainability practice. This role is hybrid tied to our Marks Chicago studio.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and client service to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the agency’s quality standards.
• Identify and implement new technologies, manufacturing processes, and packaging innovations to enhance the internal team’s knowledge and expertise in sustainability.
• Confidently convey ideas and design/engineering concepts to internal and client team members, articulating and defending rationale behind decisions and recommendations
• Work closely with the client in fostering relationships across cross functional teams, manufacturing vendors and suppliers to understand current capabilities, uncover new opportunities, define technical guardrails, provide technical input, and support sustainability efforts.
• Conduct research and stay up to date on the latest trends, legislation and advancements in sustainability related to client’s needs and business goals.
• Analysis and assessment of packaging portfolios, including identification of opportunities areas and recommendations for improving recyclability.
• Understand the strategic rationale, design intent, and technical feasibility behind solutions.
• Represent the engineering department at client meetings, industry events, and conferences.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes creative problem solving, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in packaging or mechanical engineering or related technical field. 2-3 years of experience desired.
• Strong project management experience required, including successful launch of new products and new packaging from development through commercialization, with FMCG experience preferred.
• Experience with sustainability including material selection, design enhancements, manufacturing processes, life cycle analysis, and supply chain optimization.
• Familiarity with recyclability of packaging and labeling systems such as the How2Recycle program.
• Experience working with packaging specification databases, including data management and analysis.
• Understanding of design for manufacturing and experience with but not limited to: injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, flexible packaging, folding cartons, rigid set-up and corrugated boxes.
• Experience working with industrial designers during all phases of a project is a plus.