Packaging Engineer

Autumn Harp; Essex Junction (VT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Autumn Harp in Essex Junction, VT, is seeking a full-time Packaging Engineer to join the New Product Development team on-site. You will manage packaging development from concept to launch, including testing, creating product specifications and trailing, and coordinating line trials to ensure quality and performance.

You will collaborate across cross-functional teams, support cost optimization and sustainability initiatives, maintain packaging documentation, and troubleshoot production packaging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Packaging/Mechanical engineering field or related technical experience.
• Strong background in packaging systems, materials, and cosmetics packaging.
• Experience leading packaging initiatives from concept to launch.

Responsibilities

• Manage packaging development from start to finish for multiple customers.
• Coordinate trialing and evaluation of pack solutions to meet needs.
• Own BOM, assembly methods and finished product specs.
• Provide packaging input to front-end development for manufacturability.
• Recommend internal packaging solutions to ops and R&D teams.
• Interface with customers and suppliers to meet packaging requirements.
• Work with vendors on artwork specs and deadlines; report line performance.

Skills

Packaging Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Packaging Design

Project Management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Related technical field

Job description

Company Description

Autumn Harp is a specialized research and manufacturing partner in the cosmetics and skincare industry located just outside Burlington, Vermont. The company focuses on cutting-edge technology. From its origins as a small natural remedies brand, Autumn Harp has grown into a privately owned manufacturer based in Essex Junction with a staff of over 250 people and a state-of-the-art campus totaling more than 225,000 square feet.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Packaging Engineer role based at Autumn Harp’s campus in Essex Junction, VT. The Packaging Engineer works with the New Product Development Team managing the detailed understanding and transition of package solutions from development to production including testing, creation of product specifications and trailing. Day-to-day responsibilities include collaborating within cross functional teams; managing packaging projects from concept through commercialization; and performing testing, validation, and line trials to ensure quality and performance. The role will also involve maintaining packaging documentation, supporting cost optimization and sustainability initiatives, and troubleshooting packaging-related issues on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the package development from start to finish for a variety of customers
• Coordinates trialing and understanding pack solutions that meet the business and customer’s needs and desires.
• Accountable for Bill of Material, assembly methods and Finish Product specifications
• Be part of the front-end development team as the packaging representative to ensure new components are fit for manufacturing, including coordination and analysis of filling testing and trials
• Understand and suggest internal packaging solutions to the operation and R&D teams
• Interface regularly with customers and provide exceptional service solutions to packaging needs and requirements
• Work with packaging vendors to ensure appropriate artwork specifications and deadlines are adhered to
• Understands and reports line performance on new launches in terms of Quality, Service, OEE and labor
• Works with Scrum team to provide outstanding customer service

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Packaging Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, with the ability to apply technical principles to packaging systems and manufacturing processes.
• Skills in Packaging Design, including structural design, material selection, and functionality for cosmetics and skincare products.
• Experience in Research and Development (R&D), including testing, validation, and evaluating new packaging materials and technologies.
• Project Management skills to lead packaging initiatives, coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and deliver projects from concept to launch.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Familiarity with cosmetics, skincare, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing environments and relevant regulatory and safety standards.
• Ability to analyze data, perform root-cause investigations, and implement process improvements on packaging lines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting and engage with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.