Applications Development Engineer for Paper-Based Packaging Development

Pakka is seeking an Applications Development Engineer for Paper-Based Packaging in Portland, OR. The role involves leading product development based on customer needs, engaging with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. Candidates should have a background in mechanical, material, or chemical engineering, along with experience in paper packaging. The position focuses on innovating sustainable packaging solutions while meeting commercial demands.
About Us:

At Pakka, we're on a mission to revolutionize sustainable packaging with innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact. We specialize in regenerative packaging with minimum ecological impact via compostable, renewable, and recyclable packaging options. Pakka, Packaging with a Soul, proudly leads the way in sustainable packaging in applications like flexibles, rigid, wrap & carry, and consumables in food services. We are seeking scientists and engineers to shape the great future of Pakka in America. Join our growing team and make a real difference in the future of packaging.

Job Summary:

We are seeking highly motivated, broadly experienced with proven commercial success for Applications Development Engineer to join our Product Development and Innovation Team. You will lead customer-facing products and applications development based on Pakka's legacy and new products. This function plays multi-facet role as to introduce our offerings to customers and to bring their VOCs to internal R&D team for product improvement and new development. You must have good understanding of paper-based packaging, contemporary product technologies (gas barrier, OGR, coating, conversion) and demonstrate on the job experience in engaging customers for product development.

You will work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams such as packaging scientist, scale-up engineers, marketing and production teams to achieve goals. You need to show work experience engaging customers for VOCs and understand their needs, and success stories of new product development from VOCs. This is a core R&D role driving Pakka's product development meeting customer's needs at the commercial scale, while satisfying our commitment to saving the environment through regenerative packaging solutions.

Key Responsibilities:
• Leading new product development based on customer pain points and VOCs and act as a key to lead internal team (R&D, Marketing, Production) for customer engagement and to translate VOCs into tangible products. Customer's requirements include performance (WVTR, OTR, OGR, shelf life), financials (cost), process (volume, supply chain), product certifications (compostability, recyclability). Will be responsible for application development roadmap for key customers.
• Have demonstrated experience commercializing paper-based packaging products and be familiar with industry regulations (compostable, recycling/repulping), LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) and securing sustainability certifications (ASTM, EU standards) necessary for product commercialization
• Stay current on industry trends, government regulations, and competitor innovations in sustainable packaging materials. Have broad substrate and raw materials experiences including wood fiber, bagasse, starch, bio-materials/polymers, and other sustainable feedstock alternatives.

Minimum Qualifications:
• 5+ years with Bachelor's or 3+ Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• 2+ years of experience working with fibers or paper products in packaging products such as flexibles (wrap & carry) and molded products.
• Proven successes of pilot and commercial scale product development in paper packaging with US-based brand owners in FMCG. Experience in launching new products is a definite plus. Be able to engage with key customers, to understand their needs, and build short-to mid-term applications and product development roadmap.
• Must have a broad industry network to facilitate cross-company collaboration. Demonstrate to collaborate in cross-functional teams composed of packaging scientist, process engineers, plant engineers, and marketing and to translate customers VOCs into new applications or products solving their needs.

Why Join Us?
• Work on cutting-edge innovations in sustainable packaging.
• Collaborate with a passionate and mission-driven team.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement as we expand our R&D initiatives.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.