Staff Engineer - Packaging Innovation

Staff Engineer - Packaging Innovation (Remote)

The Staff Engineer leads technology scouting, evaluation, and development initiatives to support low-cost leadership, operational scalability, and sustainable packaging innovation. Drives cross-functional collaboration to identify emerging technologies, assess technical and commercial feasibility, and translate concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions. Supports strategic initiatives through data-driven problem solving, supplier engagement, process optimization, and development of next-generation packaging systems. Discover new product possibilities or Intellectual Property through experimentation based on scientific method.

Interacts with other team members to create new products and systems, improve line efficiency, quality, or enable other projects which add value to Niagara's core business.

Essential Functions

• Lead technology scouting, evaluation, and development initiatives aligned with low-cost leadership, manufacturing scalability, and sustainable packaging innovation
• Design, develop, and implement Research & Development (R&D) projects, including material evaluations, process-property relationship studies, virtual engineering/modeling, and development of new testing methodologies.
• Plan and execute experimental trials on manufacturing lines and pilot systems; collect, analyze, and interpret data to support technical recommendations and scalable implementation.
• Develop predictive models and data-driven insights to improve product performance, process robustness, and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for product, packaging, and process optimization through analytical and engineering-based approaches.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners/suppliers to support strategic innovation initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and external partnerships for technical feasibility, commercial viability, and strategic fit.
• Design and conduct laboratory testing using R&D equipment, including development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical reports, and validation protocols.
• Support manufacturing trials, commercialization activities, and product launches across multiple production facilities.
• Present technical findings, strategic recommendations, and project updates to internal and external stakeholders, including leadership teams.
• Support intellectual property development, technical documentation, and innovation strategy initiatives.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• 6 Years – Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Mechanics or Material Science
• 6 Years – Experience in Position, industry or in a Research laboratory
• 6 Years – Experience working with engineers, graduate researchers, interns or lab assistants
• * experience may include a combination of work experience and education
• Preferred Qualifications:
• 8 Years– Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Mechanics or Material Science
• 8 Years – Experience in Position, industry or in a Research laboratory
• 8 Years – Experience working with engineers, graduate researchers, interns or lab assistants
• * experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

Proficiency in, but not limited to:

• Advanced data analysis
• Publication quality communication skills (documents and presentations)
• Proven experience with analytical laboratory equipment such as a Material Strength Testers, Full-Field Measurement techniques (strain), thermal analysis techniques (DMA, DSC), etc.
• Skills with handling large data sets and analysis tools like Matlab, Python, etc..
• Problem Solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Detail oriented and accurate - minimizes mistakes, follows every step in a process and follows through with all tasks
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group.
• Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates…