PetSmart Charities
Overview
Senior Packaging Engineer role at PetSmart Charities Location: Phoenix, Arizona (Home Office) About The Job
The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in developing and executing innovative packaging solutions for PetSmart Proprietary Brands. Core responsibilities include a high level of technical acumen across various packaging formats and materials to drive packaging initiatives from concept to commercialization. This role requires 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 position leads projects with strategic planning, technical precision, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable packaging solutions on time. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently with minimal guidance are essential in a fast-paced, cross-functional retail corporate environment. Direct experience in a similar role within manufacturing is preferred. 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 reduce damage through 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, and maintenance. Oversee technical proofing reviews at each stage of packaging development. Help develop and implement workflow processes and procedures for optimum operational efficiency. Maintain awareness of packaging trends, technologies, and innovations applicable 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 regarding forecast planning and meeting backfill, and serve as a role model in upholding high standards in structural needs on packaging projects. Key Competencies
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with business, creative, and technical teams. Track record on large projects that created value and measurable results. Expert knowledge of packaging types (corrugate, folding cartons, rigid and flexible plastics, blister packs, thermoforms). Thorough understanding of die line mechanics and proper build. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects on time while maintaining high quality. Resourceful and forward-thinking; calm under change. Ability to lead and drive for results; skilled in improving processes and procedures. 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
Expert ability to create, execute, and verify various packaging dielines. Expert knowledge of printing and finishing techniques and terminology. Expert understanding of various substrates and their characteristics. Experience with manufacturing connections, palette pack outs, and packaging sizing. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software. Experience with Adobe Illustrator is a plus. Experience with 3D modeling/rendering software is a plus. Experience with a workflow management system (WorkFront a plus). Experience working with creative teams a plus. Competency with Cloud-based technology. About The Culture
PetSmart fosters a culture where every associate belongs and where diverse experiences shape our Belonging culture and contribute to PetSmart’s success. Our home office offers amenities in a fun, rewarding workplace, including: pet-friendly environment, on-site dog park, fitness and wellness options, on-site café and learning center, volunteer events with PetSmart Charities, and links to life and benefits resources. Equal opportunity: PetSmart provides 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. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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Senior Packaging Engineer role at PetSmart Charities Location: Phoenix, Arizona (Home Office) About The Job
The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in developing and executing innovative packaging solutions for PetSmart Proprietary Brands. Core responsibilities include a high level of technical acumen across various packaging formats and materials to drive packaging initiatives from concept to commercialization. This role requires 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 position leads projects with strategic planning, technical precision, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable packaging solutions on time. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently with minimal guidance are essential in a fast-paced, cross-functional retail corporate environment. Direct experience in a similar role within manufacturing is preferred. 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 reduce damage through 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, and maintenance. Oversee technical proofing reviews at each stage of packaging development. Help develop and implement workflow processes and procedures for optimum operational efficiency. Maintain awareness of packaging trends, technologies, and innovations applicable 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 regarding forecast planning and meeting backfill, and serve as a role model in upholding high standards in structural needs on packaging projects. Key Competencies
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with business, creative, and technical teams. Track record on large projects that created value and measurable results. Expert knowledge of packaging types (corrugate, folding cartons, rigid and flexible plastics, blister packs, thermoforms). Thorough understanding of die line mechanics and proper build. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects on time while maintaining high quality. Resourceful and forward-thinking; calm under change. Ability to lead and drive for results; skilled in improving processes and procedures. 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
Expert ability to create, execute, and verify various packaging dielines. Expert knowledge of printing and finishing techniques and terminology. Expert understanding of various substrates and their characteristics. Experience with manufacturing connections, palette pack outs, and packaging sizing. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software. Experience with Adobe Illustrator is a plus. Experience with 3D modeling/rendering software is a plus. Experience with a workflow management system (WorkFront a plus). Experience working with creative teams a plus. Competency with Cloud-based technology. About The Culture
PetSmart fosters a culture where every associate belongs and where diverse experiences shape our Belonging culture and contribute to PetSmart’s success. Our home office offers amenities in a fun, rewarding workplace, including: pet-friendly environment, on-site dog park, fitness and wellness options, on-site café and learning center, volunteer events with PetSmart Charities, and links to life and benefits resources. Equal opportunity: PetSmart provides 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. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Information Technology Industries
Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr