Coating Conversion Engineer for Paper-Based Packaging Development

Pakka is seeking a Coating Conversion Engineer for its Product Development and Innovation Team in Portland, OR. The role involves leading the development of commercially viable coating solutions for paper-based packaging, focusing on improving properties like gas barrier and moisture resistance. Candidates should have extensive experience in conversion technologies and packaging commercialization, with a commitment to sustainable practices. A degree in engineering and relevant experience in the field are required.
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 Coating Conversion Engineer to join our Product Development and Innovation Team. You will lead searching and engaging external parties to bring Pakka’s coating technology for commercially viable solution. Coating technology targets to improve paper properties such as gas barrier permeation, oil & grease resistance, moisture proof. You must demonstrate broad on the job experience in conventional and contemporary conversion technologies including but are not limited to gravure, slot die, R2R, curtain, electrostatic, and plasma.

Your role is to develop end-to-end commercially viable conversion solution for Pakka’s new products in US market. You will work under minimal supervision for technical work and collaboratively work with cross-functional teams such coating formulation scientist, marketing and production teams to achieve goals. You need to show work experience engaging customers for VOCs and understand their needs. This is a core R&D role driving Pakka’s product development is at the forefront of innovations in terms of performance meeting customer’s needs at the commercial scale, while satisfying our commitment to saving the environment through regenerative packaging solutions.

Key Responsibilities:
• Leading internally and externally (US and global) to find most commercially viable conversion solutions to meet customer’s demand for paper-based products. Customer’s requirements include one or more of WVTR, OTR, OGR, and Coat weight. Pilot-scale prototyping and customer trials are also in the responsibility. Need to provide process rigor for cost calculation and to establish value chain for launching products in Flexibles (films, wraps).
• 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:
• 7+ years with Bachelor’s or 5+ Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience working with fibers or paper products in packaging products such as flexibles (wrap & carry).
• Strong knowledge on the details of coating based conversation technologies understanding their pros and cons to select the right combination for the best commercial solution.
• Proven successes of commercial scale conversions of paper products in US market. Experience in launching new products is a definite plus. Be able to calculate conversion and overall process cost in small, medium and large scale and present to senior management for execution.
• Must have a broad coating industry network to facilitate cross-company collaboration. Be spearheading converters engagement for small and medium scale trials. Demonstrate to collaborate in cross-functional teams composed of coating formulation scientist, plant engineers, marketing and to translate customers VOCs into tangible 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.