Packaging Engineer I

The Blueprint (Role Profile)

Reporting to the Engineering Director, R&D, this position will focus on the development of innovative new product packaging including, storage cases, disposable injection plastic packaging, thermoform plastics, displays/promo packaging, blisters and paperboard product packaging to support the North American Hand Tools business located in our Apex, North Carolina facility.  The successful candidate will have frequent interaction with the global Apex Product Design and manufacturing teams in North America and Asia, as well as Apex Tool Group’s global supplier base, to deliver new packaging solutions on time and within budget with the appropriate performance.

The Build (Responsibilities)

• Develop and introduce innovative new packaging concepts based on understanding of end user needs and business requirements
• Research new packaging processes, techniques, and materials to provide innovative and cost-effective concepts and solutions
• Identify and implement cost reduction and value analysis initiatives of existing products/packages
• Support new product launches by determining the feasibility of new packaging related to cost, timing and manufacturability
• Establish project timelines for all packaging activities to support the NPD toll gate process
• Create prototypes of new packaging concepts and evaluate performance characteristics against targets using established test procedures
• Create engineering drawings and specifications for all new or modified packaging components
• Collaborate with Procurement colleagues and ensure supplier can maintain integrity of selected package
• Work in partnership with the Creative team to ensure packaging meets established brand standards
• Ensure design criteria are feasible, recommends alternatives, and issues final specifications
• Maintain thorough knowledge of packaging components, materials and processes used for all ATG product packaging
• High level of interaction with global team members including Product Marketing, Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Product Engineering, Sourcing, and other key cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with Marketing, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Testing and other functional areas to ensure project related KPI’s are consistently met or exceeded

The Toolbox (Qualifications)

• B.S. degree in Packaging Engineering/Science or Mechanical Engineering
• 0-3 years of packaging engineering experience preferred
• Experience/knowledge with development and design of product packaging for a consumer goods product line(s).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with domestic and international cross-functional associates.
• Innovative thinker - able to envision new and better ways to do things.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement multiple concurrent tasks.
• Experience with CAD 3D software – CREO, SolidWorks, NX, etc. CREO is preferred
• Experience with ArtiosCAD software
• Knowledge of ISTA/ASTM package testing protocols.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and manufacturing processes: corrugated, paperboard, plastics, flexible films, labels, sealing, vacuum forming, and injection molding.