Job Description

Job Title: Packaging Engineer 

Reports to: QFD Director 

Hours: Monday-Friday, standard business hours 

Job Summary

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and optimization of Volm’s packaging solutions. This role ensures our product specifications align with customer expectations and supply chain requirements. In addition, this role assists with product protection, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with regulatory requirements throughout the entire supply chain.

Essential Duties

• Design, develop, and specify packaging structures and materials to meet performance, cost, sustainability, regulatory and customer requirements.
• Create and maintain product specifications and drawings from raw materials through final packaged product.
• Utilize Quality Function Deployment (QFD) with key stakeholders (e.g. Sales, Marketing, Equipment, Operations) to ensure customer requirements are met. 
• Lead cross-functional projects that contribute to goals for growth, continuous improvement, and cost.
• Lead and support technical packaging changes including new product development/trials and product or process changes.
• Ensure designs are verified and validated through creation of prototypes, trial runs, and testing. 
• Provide technical knowledge to address challenges related to product design. 
• Investigate and assess new materials, technologies, and practices.
• Design packaging solutions using materials such as fiberboard, corrugate, cartons, plastics, and films.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude related to food packaging materials, structures, and systems.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate performance, cost, and risk.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Equipment teams.
• Familiarity with packaging equipment, manufacturing processes, and supply chain considerations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and quality methodologies.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of engineering practices, packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and related technical principles normally acquired by completion of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, packaging, or a related field and/or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience using design software such as SolidWorks and/or Adobe Illustrator preferred.
• Knowledge of food packaging standards, regulations, sustainability standards, and applicable compliance requirements.
• Basic knowledge of packaging development, operations, supply chain processes and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.
• Capability to lift and carry objects of various weights up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.
• Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach low or high objects.
• Ability to occasionally perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.
• Adaptability to work in varying environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, noise, dust, or fumes, depending on the nature of the job.
• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) – Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.
• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) – We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist. They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly. Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.
• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) – These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others. But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.
• A Desire For “Expert” (EXPERTS) – Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles. From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy – the desire for “expert” drives us in each of our roles.
• Intentional Growth – Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH)– Times, tools, and customer expectations change. Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them. We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.
• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) – The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.
• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) – We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort. When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection. When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.
• If It Isn’t Safe, We Don’t Do It (SAFETY) – All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely. When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and “x” – we choose safety.

Travel Requirements 

This position requires occasional overnight travel and occasional travel within the workday. 

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company is required. Inclusion in the company’s driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle. 

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.
• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice. 

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.

Benefits

As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. We offer a strong foundation of benefits, including access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA employer contribution, and a 401k with profit sharing to secure your future. To support your overall well-being and family life, we offer additional benefits beyond the core package, such as paid vacation, wellness stipends, childcare reimbursement assistance, and much more. We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits to meet the evolving needs of our team.