Job Summary:
The Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting packaging systems, materials, equipment, and processes used in the manufacture of packaged lubricant products. This role focuses on ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality packaging operations for bottled, cased, pail, drum, and tote products while supporting continuous improvement, capital projects, new product launches, and operational excellence.
The Packaging Engineer works cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, and Sales to optimize packaging performance, reduce costs, improve equipment reliability, and ensure customer requirements are consistently met.
Duties/Responsibilities:
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Develop and maintain packaging specifications for bottles, caps, labels, cartons, dividers, shrink film, pallets, stretch wrap, and related packaging materials.
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Maintain packaging standards and engineering documentation.
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Support new product introductions by designing packaging configurations that meet customer, regulatory, and operational requirements.
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Evaluate new packaging technologies and materials to improve product protection, sustainability, manufacturing efficiency, or cost savings.
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Ensure packaging designs are compatible with existing production equipment whenever practical.
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Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, scrap, changeover time, and labor requirements.
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Perform root cause analysis on packaging defects and recurring production issues.
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Support development of standardized operating methods for packaging processes/equipment.
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Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting chronic equipment issues.
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Recommend equipment upgrades to improve reliability and productivity.
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Develop equipment specifications for new packaging systems.
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Lead packaging-related capital projects from concept through startup.
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Develop project scopes, budgets, timelines, and ROI analyses.
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Coordinate equipment vendors, contractors, and internal resources.
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Manage Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
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Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
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Provide technical guidance during new equipment installations.
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Work closely with Procurement to qualify new packaging suppliers.
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Investigate packaging failures and supplier quality issues.
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Support compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and applicable industry regulations.
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Assist Quality in investigating customer complaints related to packaging.
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Participate in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), risk assessments, and corrective actions.
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Participate in plant continuous improvement teams.
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Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned.
Required Skills:
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Strong knowledge of automated packaging systems, packaging equipment, and manufacturing processes used in high-volume production environments.
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Working knowledge of packaging materials, including plastic containers, closures, labels, corrugated packaging, stretch wrap, and palletization systems.
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Experience leading engineering projects, including capital equipment specification, installation, commissioning, and startup.
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Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot packaging equipment and manufacturing processes.
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Working knowledge of automated control systems and packaging line integration, including familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment.
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Experience developing equipment specifications, standard operating procedures, engineering documentation, and technical reports.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound engineering decisions.
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Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external vendors.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, project management software, and ERP systems (IFS Cloud preferred) is highly desirable.
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Thorough understanding of industrial safety principles, OSHA regulations, machine guarding, and risk assessment practices.
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Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for process improvement through Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Education and Experience:
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Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
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Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
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3+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
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Experience with automated packaging equipment
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Demonstrated success leading capital projects from concept through implementation.
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Experience in lubricants, chemicals, food & beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or related process manufacturing preferred.
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Experience with high-speed bottling, packaging operations. Palletizing and warehouse automation preferred.
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to work in both office and manufacturing plant environments.
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Ability to walk throughout production facilities and climb stairs, ladders, and platforms as needed.
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Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, steel-toe boots, or hearing protection when in manufacturing or production areas.
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Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
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Ability to work around industrial machinery, noise, heat, and varying environmental conditions.
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Occasional travel (<15%) to suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and company facilities.
Omni Specialty Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)
