Senior Packaging Engineer

About The Team

It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered - from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

About the Location

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment : We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart's Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a "flex workday" with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you'll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

About The Job

The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in developing and executing innovative packaging solutions for PetSmart Proprietary Brands. Core responsibilities of this position combine a high level of technical acumen across various packaging formats and materials to drive packaging initiatives from concept to commercialization. This individual must have a deep understanding of packaging development and execution - including die line spec build & maintenance, material selection, structural design, testing protocols, data analysis, and process validation.

The Senior Packaging Engineer will lead projects with strategic planning, technical precision, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable packaging solutions are delivered on time. This individual must be strong communicator and can manage multiple assignments / project tasks concurrently along with the ability to complete work with minimal guidance and a calm demeanor. Operating within a fast-paced, cross-functional retail corporate environment, the Senior Packaging Engineer candidate must possess hands-on experience in a similar role within manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of packaging solutions for Proprietary Brands across a wide range of product categories.
• Strong understanding of printing technologies and production processes (flexographic, offset, gravure, digital, etc.).
• Familiar with working across all packaging formats (flexible, rigid, corrugate, cans, cups, glass).
• Extend shelf-life of products and reduced damage from proper venting, film thickness, sizing and polymer selection.
• Develop frustration free packaging (better seal, function, ergonomics, reduced headspace, etc.).
• Lead technical packaging development projects from concept to commercialization in close partnership with product development.
• Attend Packaging Reviews and provide technical expertise to all Packaging structures for various products.
• Reduce complexity to manage and consolidate various packaging die lines for on-shelf consistent presentation.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and recommend improvements in materials, construction, and printing techniques.
• Manage technical packaging timelines, provide clear and timely communication, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans leveraging project management skills.
• Collaborate with Production Designers on 3D rendering best practices, when needed.
• Apply subject matter expertise in die line creation, verification, & maintenance.
• Oversee technical proofing reviews at each stage of packaging development.
• Help develop and implement workflow processes & procedures for optimum operational efficiency.
• Maintain awareness of packaging trends, technologies, and innovations that can be applied to PetSmart products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with brand teams, creative, sourcing, product development, vendors, and supply chain partners to ensure consistent, high-quality, and accurately printed packaging execution.
• Spearhead key projects that provide major benefits to the team and department.
• Provide support for the Sr. Manager of Packaging Production as regards to forecast planning, backfill in meetings, and the ability to function as a team role model in upholding high standards in structural needs on packaging projects.

Key Competencies

Education And Experience

4+ years of experience as a Packaging Engineer within Retail, CPG, or Manufacturing environments.

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.

Technical Skills

About The Culture

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they're core to PetSmart's success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We'd still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including :

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.

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