The R & D Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and continuously improving material flow across plant operations to support production efficiency and operational excellence. The role partners closely with cross-functional teams and department leaders to identify, analyze, and resolve issues impacting material flow, throughput, and overall manufacturing performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Defines and maintains material flow and supply methods for each part from the warehouse and other Sheppard locations to final operations at the Hanover plant (Plan for Every Part – PFEP).
• Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Corporate Logistics Engineering, and external vendors to develop and implement solutions that optimize material presentation to production lines and continuously reduce cost.
• Researches and benchmarks industry best practices related to logistics, material flow, and manufacturing support.
• Establishes and maintains work instructions and packaging standards to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved within logistics and material handling operations.
• Drives the implementation of standard containerization across all operations.
• Evaluates logistics constraints and applies Lean Manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, flow, and productivity.
• Partners with the Quality department to support root cause analysis (RCA) and implement containment and corrective actions to mitigate and eliminate logistics-related customer complaints (e.g., mislabeling, incorrect quantities, delivery issues).
• Applies structured problem-solving methodologies and innovation to drive continuous improvement across logistics and material flow processes.
• Understands and complies with all health, safety, and environmental policies (ISO 14001); is empowered to identify hazards, stop unsafe work, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Promotes and drives the organization’s vision through active utilization of KPS (Lean Manufacturing) methodologies.
• Ensures compliance with all company procedures and policies; addresses non-compliance through coaching, feedback, and escalation as required.
• Understands and complies with quality management system requirements, including IATF 16949; is empowered to identify, stop, and escalate quality concerns as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Entrepreneurship & Decision Making: Demonstrates the ability to identify opportunities within challenges, pursue sustainable growth and value creation, and make timely, well-reasoned decisions. Applies strong business acumen and sound judgment when assessing risk, costs, and operational impact.
• Influence & Inspiration: Effectively influences others to embrace ideas and change by presenting compelling, data-driven arguments and leveraging both formal and informal leadership channels. Inspires commitment and alignment through credibility, collaboration, and example.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of outcomes and follows through on commitments. Holds self and others to high performance standards while driving results with integrity and consistency.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization through strong verbal, written, presentation, and listening skills. Fosters an environment of open, transparent communication and constructive dialogue.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. Builds trust, respect, and positive working relationships while contributing to a supportive, results-oriented team environment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• May be exposed to moderate heat, light dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise and hazards such as electrical shock or gases. Some outside assignments could involve exposure to adverse weather conditions. Adequate hearing protection is required for 85 decibels and above.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

SCHEDULE:

• Standard Office Hours Monday through Friday

The demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related field).
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working within Industrial Engineering or Logistics Engineering teams in a Lean Manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Kanban systems (required).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
• Prior experience using ERP systems preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Hands-on experience working in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies, with emphasis on: Standardized Work, Continuous Improvement, 5S, Just-In-Time (JIT) principles
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and use of Lean tools to drive operational improvement.
• Ability to work independently and/or lead within a cross-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions aligned with objectives established by the Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader and Manager.
• Ability to analyze data and make well-reasoned, actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Effective communicator capable of interacting with all levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM software.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed, including occasional evenings or weekends, to support alternate shifts or project implementations.