Packaging Engineer

Bigelow Tea is seeking a Packaging Engineer in Fairfield, CT, responsible for the design and innovation of sustainable packaging throughout its lifecycle. The role involves managing projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring quality and manufacturability of packaging materials. Candidates should have a degree in Packaging Engineering or Material Science and experience in material qualifications. The company emphasizes ethical practices and employee well-being.
Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield, CT, USA

Bigelow Tea is the number one specialty tea company in the United States. We are a family-owned and operated business and a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded 80 years ago. Our purpose has always been about much more than making profits. We are committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities.

We pride ourselves in caring about each and every one of our employees. We have a long-term outlook and are constantly working to create an environment that inspires people to make positive contributions every day. Bigelow is currently looking for a select, talented individual, that shares our values, to join our growing team.
SUMMARY

Responsible for the innovation, value, and sustainable design of primary and secondary packaging from end-to-end of the materials lifecycle. Deep knowledge and understanding of the processes associated with the industrial, distribution, and business systems through the product lifecycle. Lead company-wide initiatives to establish, document and improve these processes.

This individual will manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks based on timelines. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical teams is essential.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Comprehensive full life cycle knowledge of all relevant packaging from raw material sourcing through Bigelow’s primary requirement for use to the post-consumer stream.
• Design, test and deliver new and revised packaging concepts focusing on innovation, sustainability, functionality, and value.
• Focus on sustainable packaging throughout the product life cycle.
• Serve as Technology Scout in breakthrough packaging and industry trends; bring concepts and ideas to the business for evaluation.
• Bring Manufacturing expertise and deep understanding of machine capabilities and tolerances relative to compatibility with packaging materials.
• Deliver results by working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality/R&D and Sales/Marketing to manage the Material Qualification process.
• Keep abreast of developing technologies and trends in consumer preferences and share insights with the organization.
• Develop detailed packaging specifications to ensure quality and manufacturability of materials for the best value.
• Provide technical support to troubleshoot key quality or manufacturing issues.
• Participate in Supplier audits and reviews, make recommendations for improvements, as necessary.
• Assist Marketing in the development of displays, club packs, etc. to bring innovation, quality, and value to the market.
• Develop pallet configurations of both finished goods and incoming packaging materials to optimize product quality and minimize costs.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering or Material Science, or relevant experience; degree preferred.
• Experience with material qualifications, including machine trials.
• Understanding of industry standards of Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety.
• Strong administrative and computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, & PowerPoint. Excellent oral/written/interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, gather and analyze information skillfully to formulate action plans and follow through to completion.
• Demonstrated Project Management experience as Project Leader and cross-functional team participant, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Reasoning and Cognitive Ability

The person assigned to this role must be able to think independently. Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Must Have Experience
• Minimum of 3-7 years in Package design and development.
• Advanced knowledge of packaging development and end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain…