Packaging Engineer

Who are we?
At Calumet we deliver innovative specialty products trusted by companies across the globe. We are the foundation to everyday essential products that help millions of people live and thrive. We are headquartered in Indianapolis and have numerous production locations in the US. We are customer focused and utilize our values of collaboration and entrepreneurship to grow the business. We offer a dynamic, high-performance environment where team members can have real input and impact on our business. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, treat the business as if it is your own and add value accordingly, come see why we're Calumet Proud!

PURPOSE:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Packaging Engineer to play a pivotal role in our packaging department. As a Packaging Engineer at Calumet, you will be responsible for designing, testing, and implementing packaging solutions that meet the needs of our products and customers. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to create packaging that is not only functional and cost-effective but also environmentally responsible.

Ideal candidate to be located in Houston or surrounding area.

KEY OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

KEY OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Packaging Design:




• Create innovative and efficient packaging solutions that protect and enhance our products.
• Develop packaging designs that align with branding and marketing strategies.




• Material Selection:




• Research, test and select suitable materials for packaging, considering product requirements and sustainability goals.




• Prototype Development& Manufacturability




• Identify and work with suppliers to build and test packaging prototypes to ensure they meet performance and cost criteria.

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  • Collaborate closely with manufacturing plants to ensure packaging designs are optimized for scalability and efficient integration into production processes.
  
  
  
  

• Cost Analysis:




• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for various packaging materials and methods in collaboration with category manager.




• Compliance and Regulations:




• Ensure packaging complies with relevant industry regulations and certifications.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in packaging regulations.




• Environmental Sustainability:




• Drive sustainable packaging initiatives to reduce environmental impact.
• Explore eco-friendly materials and processes to promote sustainability.




• Supplier Relations:




• Collaborate with suppliers to source quality packaging materials and components.
• Manage relationships with packaging suppliers to maintain quality standards and cost-effectiveness.




• Cross-functional Collaboration:




• Work closely with product development, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure packaging aligns with product specifications and brand messaging.

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  • Build protocols and lead manufacturing trials for all types of new packaging, coordinating closely with plant-level engineering, suppliers & outside testing firms.
  
  
  
  

• Quality Control:




• Implement quality control processes to maintain consistency in packaging quality.
• Work with Operations and Purchasing teams to address any packaging-related issues promptly and effectively.

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  • Develop and maintain the packaging specification database, including dielines, material substrates, regulatory compliance data, and sustainability attributes.
  • Other duties as assigned
  
  
  
  

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCES:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience in consumer packaging design and development.
• Proficiency in packaging design tools and software preferred but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, regulations, and sustainability practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

• Preferred familiarity with DOT and UN packaging regulations, ISTA and ASTM testing methods, and other applicable safety standards.

COMPETENCIES:

• Business Acumen & Partnership - Demonstrated ability to understand the business and align activity to meet business needs at both strategic and operational levels.
• Delivers Results - Attentive to detail and demonstrated ability to deliver on accountabilities to help the business and the team be successful. Track record of high-performance.
• Drive- Positive energy, ambitious, courageous, flexible but decisive, with the ability to take on continuous and complex business challenges in a fast-paced environment. Persistence to drive to solutions despite obstacles and/or competing priorities.
• Emotional Maturity - Ability to withstand pressure and manage emotions effectively to create the right effect on people and organization.
• Ethics & Integrity -High degree of personal integrity in all business dealings.
• Functional Skill - Expertise in consumer packaging design and development.
• Influencing & Engagement Skills - Ability to proactively engage and influence others at all levels, at times without formal authority. Confidence and ability to have critical conversations, if necessary.
• Judgment/Decision-Making - Smart, with the ability to think through issues and make wise decisions, often without all facts and information or high levels of direction.
• Problem-Solving & Opportunity Identification - Ability to frame clear problem statements and use objective information and data to help solve complex business challenges and generate options and solutions for business leaders. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to contribute value to the business.
• Teamwork/Collaboration - A great team player with a great attitude, good customer service orientation, and focused on delivering outstanding results to their clients and the business, overall.
• Travel- Ability to travel 30% -70% domestically, depending on business needs.
• Demonstration of Calumet Values - Safety, Environment & Social Responsibility, Teamwork, Ownership, Passion for Customers, and Excellence

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. We are an equal opportunity employer including disability and veteran. All offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test.