Packaging Engineer Job Wausau area,Wisconsin USA,Engineering

Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Reports to: QFD Director

Hours: Monday-Friday, standard business hours

Job Summary

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and optimization of Volm's packaging solutions. This role ensures our product specifications align with customer expectations and supply chain requirements. In addition, this role assists with product protection, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with regulatory requirements throughout the entire supply chain.

Essential Duties

Design, develop, and specify packaging structures and materials to meet performance, cost, sustainability, regulatory and customer requirements.
Create and maintain product specifications and drawings from raw materials through final packaged product.
Utilize Quality Function Deployment (QFD) with key stakeholders (e.g. Sales, Marketing, Equipment, Operations) to ensure customer requirements are met.
Lead cross-functional projects that contribute to goals for growth, continuous improvement, and cost.
Lead and support technical packaging changes including new product development/trials and product or process changes.
Ensure designs are verified and validated through creation of prototypes, trial runs, and testing.
Provide technical knowledge to address challenges related to product design.
Investigate and assess new materials, technologies, and practices.
Design packaging solutions using materials such as fiberboard, corrugate, cartons, plastics, and films.

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong mechanical and technical aptitude related to food packaging materials, structures, and systems.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate performance, cost, and risk.
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Equipment teams.
Familiarity with packaging equipment, manufacturing processes, and supply chain considerations.
Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality methodologies.

Education and Experience

Knowledge of engineering practices, packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and related technical principles normally acquired by completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering, packaging, or a related field and/or equivalent relevant work experience.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience using design software such as Solid Works and/or Adobe Illustrator preferred.
Knowledge of food packaging standards, regulations, sustainability standards, and applicable compliance requirements.
Basic knowledge of packaging development, operations, supply chain processes and equipment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.
Capability to lift and carry objects of various weights up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.
Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.
Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.
Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach low or high objects.
Ability to occasionally perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.
Adaptability to work in varying environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, noise, dust, or fumes, depending on the nature of the job.
Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) - Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.
Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) - We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist. They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly. Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.
Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) - These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others. But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.
A Desire For "Expert" (EXPERTS) - Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles. From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy - the desire for "expert" drives us in each of our roles.
Intentional Growth -…