Packaging Engineer

Function

Designs and develops packaging solutions for products, ensuring they are functional, cost effective, and meet regulatory requirements. Provides corporate oversight over the engineering, sourcing and cost of packaging materials and supply for all Rea locations. Monitors the packaging rates of return by customer to facilitate contractual compliance. Optimizes the flow of packaging materials between suppliers, customers, and Rea plants to obtain best cost and pursue the elimination of waste.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Design and Development : Creates packaging designs using CAD software and other tools, considering factors like product dimensions, fragility, and intended shipping conditions. Supports Technology/Project management in developing new packaging and labeling as required by new and existing customers. Interpret new customer label specifications and teaming with IT and project management to develop and implement in production.
• Material Selection : Chooses appropriate materials like cardboard, plastic, metal, and other packaging materials based on their properties and the product’s needs.
• Testing and Evaluation : Conducts various tests to ensure packages meet performance standards, including drop tests, vibration tests, and temperature/humidity tests.
• Cost Optimization : Analyzes packaging costs and identifies ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency without compromising product protection.
• Collaboration and Communication : Works with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, marketing, supply chain) to ensure packaging meets product and customer requirements.
• Compliance and Regulations : Ensures packaging meets regulatory requirements and industry standards for safety and environmental impact.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Addresses issues related to packaging design, material selection, and production processes.
• Process Improvement: Develops and implements packaging processes and procedures to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. Leads continuous improvement projects relative to packaging materials in areas of inventory/cost optimization, packaging transportation, damage in transit reduction, electronic receipt and tracking, labeling, etc.
• Quality: Supports Quality Department in performing packaging supplier audits, developing SCARs and ensuring packaging suppliers meet Rea’s quality standards.
• Administration:
• Publishes and maintains corporate packaging manual. Develops and maintains ongoing standard costs, packaging bills of material, annual budgets and the integrity of associated data utilized in MFG-PRO and COP analysis.
• Prepares summary reports and documents based on analysis and develops action plans, goals, and metrics. Publishes monthly spend analysis by plant as it relates to P/L.
• Reverse Logistics - Accountable for the analysis and recommendations required to maximize the return of all recyclable packaging materials including spools, reels, and pallets (wood and plastic). Maintains associated metrics and recommends goals and activities to increase performance. Monitors return rates of all Rea customers and provides Commercial with the appropriate data to address customer non-compliance.
  
  

Position Specifications

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering or equivalent.

Five (5) years of experience in packaging design and development.

Strong understanding of packaging materials, methods, and regulations.

Identifies and solves problems related to packaging design, materials, and processes.

Communicates effectively internally and externally.

Meticulous and pays close attention to detail when designing and implementing packaging solutions.

Proficiency with CAD software and web-based interface tools.

Some travel.

Date Updated (6/16/25)

Physical Demands And Work Environment

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

• Physical Demands: While performing duties of job, incumbent frequently required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; reach above and below chest level; use hands to finger; handle or feel objects; tools or controls; reach with arms; talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and may be exposed to chemical, non-toxic fumes or dust. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Work Environment: Incumbent will occasionally be exposed to Cold Temperatures <65 degrees and Heat >80 degrees. The environment is well lit; the noise level is often minimal but incumbent may be exposed to higher than 85 decibels on occasion.
  
  

Performance Standards

• Annual performance appraisal
• Attainment of annual goals established between manager and incumbent.
  
  

Approval/Sign-off Date

I have read and understand the contents of this job description.

Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _______________