About the Role
As a Senior Associate, Packaging Engineer, you will play a key role in the development, testing, and implementation of new and improved packaging solutions. You will be responsible for providing technical expertise to support new product launches, packaging enhancements, and line extensions while ensuring packaging solutions meet business needs and market requirements.
In this role, you will lead packaging-related activities across projects focused on strengthening supply chain resilience, reducing costs, advancing sustainability initiatives, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting e-commerce requirements.
You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver innovative, effective, and reliable packaging solutions that align with project objectives and business priorities. You will also provide technical guidance, troubleshoot packaging challenges, and help ensure successful project execution.
This position reports to a Research Development and Engineering (RD&E) Manager and offers the opportunity to contribute to packaging innovation and continuous improvement across the business.
Key Responsibilities
•Lead end-to-end packaging development for projects across the North America Region including primary, secondary, and e-commerce packaging.
•Create robust specifications for packaging components, finished goods, and pallet factors, along with accurate BOM setup.
•Collaborate with project managers and cross-functional teams to establish project timelines, lead technical discussions, influence technical decisions, own packaging deliverables and milestones, and develop and execute technical risk mitigation plans.
•Focus on growth, business continuity, sustainability, and cost-saving projects, following the established technical processes and procedures.
•Complete all technical deliverables accurately and on time.
•Complete package performance, compatibility, and distribution testing in support of packaging component changes or new formulations.
•Develop validation and line qualification plans, perform laboratory tests and line trials, and document results in technical reports and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
•Lead cross-functional investigations of complex or cross-functional packaging-related issues, using technical expertise and data-driven judgment to take ownership of corrective actions, execute mitigation plans, and drive resolution while protecting production schedules and product quality.
•Apply root cause analysis and problem-solving skills to identify critical product and process design factors that contribute to successful product design and project implementation.
•Lead or actively participate in defined process improvement workstreams to strengthen packaging development processes, standardize technical practices, and improve efficiency and execution across projects.
•Actively contribute to the Packaging Community of Practice by sharing technical learnings and supporting the adoption of packaging best practices.
Required Experience You'll Bring
•Bachelor's degree in packaging engineering, packaging science, or a related engineering discipline with at least 4 years of product or packaging development experience; or an advanced degree in a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
•Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Preferred Experiences and Skills
•Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, take initiative, and deliver results.
•Experience with e-commerce packaging design, certifications, and qualifications.
•Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written presentations, including effective storytelling to the non-technical individual.
•Knowledge of product development processes involving various delivery system technologies (e.g., aerosol formulation, emulsion chemistry, gel formulation, polymer chemistry, reaction products, surfactants, solvents, builders).
•Experience and technical competency in primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging design and qualification (e.g., product/package compatibility, distribution/warehouse testing and manufacturing qualification).
•Expertise in multiple packaging disciplines such as aerosols and liquids packaging, dispensing systems, materials, closures, manufacturing line requirements, plastic molding techniques, and/or product/environment compatibility.
•Experience applying sustainable packaging principles, including Design for Recycling, integration of post-consumer recycled materials, and understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
•Experience with Association of Plastic Recyclers test methods and applications.
•Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, including anticipation and communication of technical risks and mitigation plans.
•Strategic thinking and action to effectively navigate complex and/or ambiguous situations.
•Knowledge of US DOT Regulations related to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods.
•Experience using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve productivity, support analysis, and streamline workflows.
•Experience with any of the following support systems such as PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), Microsoft Office Suite, CAPE, & graphics approval software.
Job Requirements
•Full-time position.
•Travel up to 25%.
•Ability to lift 10 – 40 pounds.
•Office work environment: Remote work is available once per week for eligible employees after the 90-day onboarding period.
•This role is eligible for domestic relocation.
Benefits and Perks
SC Johnson's total compensation packages are at or above industry levels. In addition to salary, total packages may include bonuses, long-term incentives, matching 401(k) contributions and profit sharing based on company profitability, job level and years of service. As a family company, SC Johnson is committed to providing benefits such as subsidized health care plans, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, flexible work arrangements, vacation purchase options, recreation and fitness centers, childcare, counseling services and more.
