Title: Packaging Engineer(ing) - 1 year contract

Reports To: Assistant Manager, Production Engineering

Location: 214 Bayview Drive, Barrie (hybrid)

Job Purpose: The Packaging Engineer(ing) is primarily responsible for leading packaging development for New Product Development (NPD) initiatives, ensuring high-performance, cost effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that support product launches and commercialization. The role also provides incremental support for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) projects, packaging optimization, and cross-functional packaging-related activities.

Key Responsibilities:

New Product Development (Primary Focus)

• Lead packaging development for new products from concept through launch.
• Create concepts, prototypes, specifications, and documentation.
• Collaborate to ensure packaging supports manufacturing and quality targets.
• Drive sustainability, material reduction, and cube efficiency.

ECO & VAVE Support

• Implement packaging changes related to updates and cost savings.
• Support VAVE evaluations for simplification and standardization.

Packaging Performance & Root Cause Analysis

• Support investigation of packaging failures and recommend corrective actions.

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure packaging designs meet industry standards (ISTA, ASTM, ISO 9001) and internal quality requirements.
• Maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations, labeling requirements, and retailer guidelines.
• Document packaging specifications, testing results, and approvals for audit and regulatory purposes.

Supplier, Customer, and Internal Team Collaboration

• Work with packaging material suppliers to evaluate and select appropriate materials, including sustainable alternatives.
• Collaborate with big-box and other key customers to meet packaging expectations and requirements.
• Partner with internal teams (Design, Manufacturing, Logistics, Procurement) to align packaging solutions with operational needs.
• Support intercompany packaging design, including racks, bins, and bulk shipping solutions.

Testing & Validation

• Conduct drop tests, compression tests, vibration tests, and other ISTA or internal validation protocols.
• Evaluate test results and recommend design changes to improve performance and durability.
• Maintain accurate records of testing procedures and outcomes for continuous improvement.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in packaging engineering with NPD focus, including VAVE, ECO concept understanding.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Packaging Professional (CPP), ISTA Certification, or Lean Six Sigma are preferred.
• Computer software requirement: CAD/Design: SolidWorks (preferred), PLM: Bluestar PLM, ERP/Finance: Microsoft Dynamics D365 F&O, Project/Workflow Management: Monday.com, Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting and documentation
• Packaging material selection and optimization, including sustainable materials.
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving for packaging failures.
• Packaging testing and validation (drop, compression, vibration, etc.) per ISTA/ASTM standards.
• Packaging design software proficiency (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of packaging compliance, regulatory standards, and retailer requirements.

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Motivations

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization