Senior Engineer/Manager- Packaging Innovation

No relocation assistance offered.

About the role

The Senior Packaging Engineer in Packaging Innovation develops new & advanced packaging concepts to support the innovation pipeline. The position is part of the Global Packaging Innovation R&I group within Colgate-Palmolive's Global Packaging function. This role focuses on identifying and expanding opportunities for packaging to deliver superior end-to-end, people-centered experiences as a springboard for growth and profitability. Keys to success are leveraging existing and emerging consumer packaging trends, technologies, and methodologies.

The role is cross-functional, working very closely with Marketing, Product Development, Design, Supply Chain, and other packaging engineers on the Divisional & Global Category Packaging teams to deliver results. This role involves working with 3D CAD + 3D printing, packaging molding, and developing packaging using a wide variety of materials and technologies: Printing, Cartons, Films and Laminates, rigid containers, and corrugate systems. Additionally, the role will cultivate external partnerships with new and existing packaging suppliers to deliver new packaging.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage cross-category package development programs, new innovations, and sustainability initiatives.
• Develop new & advanced packaging concepts.
• Scout externally sourced packaging innovation ideas from current and new suppliers, focusing on fledgling companies.
• Engage and partner with Global Procurement.
• Partner closely with Marketing and Consumer Insights to identify opportunities for new packaging concepts.
• Contribute meaningfully in the Design stage of New Product Development, focusing primarily on consumer needs, then serve as the primary engineer responsible for solving technical challenges.
• Recognize the value of ergonomics in packaging design and in-use experience, keeping it central to development.
• Understand rapid prototyping to drive fast ‘test-and-learn.’
• Embrace iterative development and be comfortable learning from failure.
• Understand the technical elements of packaging without being bound by the current state of the industry.
• Understand the financial components of packaging and Colgate-Palmolive’s cost structure to guide development.
• Generate and present valid Total Delivered Cost information on package/process and other pertinent financial details.
• Overcome hurdles on project direction and independently manage timelines to ensure the fastest possible project timing.
• Feel accountability to deliver against initiatives.
• Identify and provide rationale for funds needed to successfully deliver project goals while operating within project budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related Engineering field.
• 6+ years of experience in packaging and consumer goods, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industry with some focus on development.
• Experience connecting technology possibilities with consumer insights to illuminate new package design opportunities.
• Experience improvising and converting new package design ideas into workable prototypes for internal evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Packaging Engineering or a related Engineering field.
• Builds and leverages internal and external partnerships to generate new ideas and quickly identify and develop new packaging solutions.
• Demonstrates and encourages creativity and flexibility by thinking beyond current practices.
• Experience developing packaging using a wide variety of materials and technologies: Printing, Cartons, Films and Laminates, Rigid containers, and corrugate systems.
• Exposure to FEA (Finite Elements Analysis) simulation.

Pay

Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $145,000.00 USD. Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions (subject to eligibility requirements).
• Discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (120 hours for hourly employees) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days prorated based on hire date).
• Paid sick leave adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.