Senior Packaging Engineer

Overview

SUMMARY: This role is responsible for developing and implementing packaging solutions that support customer requirements while driving efficiency and effectiveness across Almo’s distribution operations. The Sr. Packaging Engineer serves as a technical expert and cross-functional project lead, bridging packaging innovation with operational excellence. This position requires knowledge of packaging material performance within distribution center environments, an understanding of distribution and fulfillment processes, and the ability to lead initiatives from concept through implementation.

The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging engineering, project management, and vendor management — with aspirations to grow into a broader engineering management or operations leadership role. Experience with ISTA standards and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting is strongly preferred.

• Packaging Development & Standards:
  Develop and implement packaging solutions and standards that optimize safety, cost, and efficiency across multiple distribution centers.
• Apply ISTA standards and test procedures to create certified and OEM packaging solutions.
• Partner with product vendors and contract manufacturers to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory packaging requirements.
• Lead cross-functional packaging projects that drive continuous improvement in throughput, labor efficiency, and sustainability.
• Project Leadership &
  
  Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Lead or support multi-site engineering and packaging initiatives from concept to execution, coordinating with operations, procurement, and supply chain teams.
• Develop project timelines, milestones, and communication plans to ensure on-time delivery of results.
• Identify and champion opportunities to improve distribution packaging performance, process flow, and automation readiness.
• Serve as a key liaison between Distribution Engineering, Operations, and external packaging suppliers.
• Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement:
  Collaborate with customers and operations teams to identify and resolve packaging-related damage, defects, or process issues.
• Develop corrective action plans with vendors to drive measurable performance improvement.
• Support implementation of data-driven process improvements within distribution operations.
• Sourcing & Procurement:
  Develop and maintain detailed specifications for shipping materials, packaging supplies, and related equipment.
• Manage competitive bid processes, including bid document preparation, evaluation of proposals, and vendor selection.
• Partner with Procurement to drive strategic sourcing decisions and manage supplier performance metrics.
• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  Analyze operational data and market trends to inform sourcing strategies, packaging design improvements, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Develop and maintain documentation and reporting to support purchasing, compliance, and EPR-related activities.
• Experience with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting and compliance is considered a plus.
• Other Duties:
  Perform other duties as assigned that may extend beyond packaging scope, supporting broader engineering initiatives across the network.

• B.S. in Packaging or Industrial Engineering required
• Five to seven years of package engineering experience and five to seven years of other engineering experience. Industrial engineering preferred, but Mechanical engineering considered also.
• Preferred experience is the packaging of heavy and bulky products, ecommerce design and knowledge of a broad range of distribution systems.
• Experience with ecommerce, parcel and LTL processes are a plus.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Experienced in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Access) in routine work.
• Experience using AS400 preferred. Competency using packaging-related computer software expected.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, and correspondence. Ability to write complex correspondence and to effectively present information in one-on-one or small group situations to vendors, customers, and employees of the organization.

• 4-6 years of related experience developing primary and secondary packaging solutions, preferably consumer packaged goods, utilizing sustainable materials and construction
• History of leading large-scale packaging launches from concept to commercialization

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) from a four-year college or university

• Highly capable and experienced in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Access) in routine work. Experience using AS400 preferred. Competency using packaging-related computer software expected.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the…