Packaging Engineer

Proposed salary range: up to $82,830.05. Work location: onsite in Columbus, Georgia (no hybrid or remote).

About the Role

As a Packaging Engineer at our U.S. consumer packaging facility in Columbus, GA, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of packaging solutions for a diverse portfolio, including alkaline batteries, lithium coin cells, rechargeable Ni-MH cells, and lithium primary cells. This role focuses on cost optimization, automation, waste elimination, and packaging efficiency while managing the full lifecycle of packaging materials—from suppliers to retail blister packs to consumer packaging waste.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative primary packaging for consumer retail (e.g., blister cards, multipacks) that enhances brand presence while ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, product security, marking, and ease-of-use requirements.
• Ensure all packaging complies with global safety standards, including UN38.3 (transportation) and DOT/IATA HazMat regulations, and that packaging materials meet regulatory requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed Bill of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and technical specifications for all packaging components.
• Execute rigorous validation protocols, including drop, vibration, and environmental stress testing, to guarantee integrity across the global supply chain.
• Lead initiatives to reduce packaging waste, transition to sustainable/recyclable materials, and optimize palletization patterns using software like Cape Pack or TOPS.
• Partner with production teams to integrate packaging designs with high-speed automated assembly lines and troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Collaborate with the Procurement team to source and qualify packaging suppliers, conducting periodic business reviews and plant audits to ensure quality and cost-competitiveness.
• Occasional international travel is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably within high-volume consumer goods.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and ArtiosCAD.
• Knowledge of materials such as corrugated board, folding cartons, thermoformed plastics, and flexible films.
• Strong project management ability to lead cross-functional teams (Marketing, Quality, Sales, Production, and Supply Chain) on new product launches.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with lithium battery shipping regulations and UN-certified packaging.
• Familiarity with automated packaging machinery and robotics.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification.

Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry. Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with concrete variables in situations with limited standardization. Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

Benefits

• Health Insurance:
  • Employee Coverage: Monthly premiums $57.00 / Deductible $300 per year.
  • Family Coverage: Monthly premiums $201.00 / Deductible $600 per year.
• 401k Retirement Savings: Company match up to 5%.
• Relocation reimbursement (if applicable).