Packaging Engineer – Sustainable Materials & Supplier Excellence

alpitronic Americas LLC; Bolzano; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job description

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, qualifying, and managing all raw material packaging sourced from external suppliers and packaging for intercompany shipments. This role ensures that packaging materials meet technical specifications, quality standards, sustainability goals, operational and legal requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with suppliers, procurement, quality, SCM, logistics and production teams to optimize packaging performance, cost, and reliability.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain technical specifications for all raw material packaging and intercompany packaging (e.g., films, cartons, labels, pallets, liners, bags)
• Evaluate packaging materials for performance, durability, compliance, and compatibility with production equipment
• Lead packaging trials, testing, and validation activities
• Support new product introductions and packaging changes by defining requirements and ensuring supplier readiness
• Review and approve supplier documentation (technical data sheets, drawings)
• Conduct supplier capability assessments and support qualification processes
• Investigate packaging-related quality issues and lead root cause analysis with suppliers
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Identify opportunities to reduce packaging costs through material optimization, design changes, or supplier improvements
• Support sustainability initiatives such as lightweighting, recyclability, and waste reduction
• Provide technical support for packaging planning, inventory management, and supplier performance reviews

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Several years of experience in packaging engineering within manufacturing, FMCG, pharma, or industrial sectors
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, converting processes, and packaging equipment
• Familiarity with quality systems, testing standards, and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency with CAD tools, packaging testing equipment, and ERP systems
• Experience working directly with external packaging suppliers
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and eco design principles
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to resolve conflicts, assertively push projects forward, and build constructive relationships
• Language skills: fluent in English and Italian, knowledge of German is advantageous

OUR COMMITMENT

• Innovative work environment in a young, dynamic team
• High-tech projects in the future-proof sector of e-mobility
• Opportunities for advancement in a growing company
• A wide range of further training opportunities
• Attractive bonus system and performance-related pay
• Additional company benefits