Packaging Engineer

First Quality was founded in 1989 and, in nearly three decades, has grown to be a global privately held company with over 4,000 employees. Its corporate offices are located in Great Neck, New York, with manufacturing facilities and offices in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, and Canada. First Quality is a diversified family of companies manufacturing consumer products ranging from Absorbent Hygiene (adult incontinence, feminine care, and baby care), Tissue (bath and towel), and Industrial (print and packaging materials and thermoformed plastics), serving institutional and retail markets throughout the world. First Quality focuses on private label and branded product lines.

Our core business philosophy is built on a proud culture driven by safety and quality, respect, humility, integrity, customer focus, and teamwork. With leading edge manufacturing technologies and processes and visionary leadership, FQE is positioned to continue significant growth in the coming years. We are looking for an experienced Packaging Engineer for 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, machineability 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 and development efforts.
• 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
• Develops and maintains an innovation portfolio of packaging concepts and prototypes. Organize, catalog and maintain an up to date inventory of packaging materials and supplies in support of Package Development programs
• 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).
• 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
• 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.

Excellent compensation and benefit package!

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 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.