Principal Packaging Engineer

Purpose

• Responsible for development of package components & packaging systems (design and testing) to ensure performance, quality, compatibility and regulatory compliance for product registration, transportation, storage, and use.
• Provide troubleshooting support to adjacent supply chain functions (procurement, manufacturing, quality, etc.), to ensure a safe user-friendly customer experience.
• Provides advice for the creation and implementation of development programs and procedures within the packaging development area.
• Confidently make timely recommendations supported by the available data.
• This role will support to implement innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that maximize our competitive advantage and build brand preference.

Accountability

• Support all Safety and Compliance requirements. Must be fully knowledgeable of, and compliant with all Syngenta safety policies and department standard operating procedures. Must lead by example, to drive a strong safety culture of individual accountability.
• Influential in support the packaging strategy to ensure Syngenta remains industry leader in the packaging field.
• Provide support to New Product Introduction (NPI) ensuring all packaging related milestones are completed on time.
• Support continuous improvement of packaging development and related processes.
• Capable of supporting packaging projects related to maintenance and/or troubleshooting support to adjacent supply chain functions (procurement, manufacturing, etc.), as well as, to end-users in the marketplace.
• Has experience with all Syngenta used packaging technologies and is an expert on multiple packaging component technologies and/or materials.
• Ensure all packaging testing and qualification projects meet a high level of scientific integrity.
• Knowledge of packaging technologies, materials and testing related to the development of new packaging components, being a regional reference.
• Recognized as expert regarding general regulations impacting Syngenta products and capable of identifying and delivering new opportunities to overcome related challenges.
• May be able to mentor, train and assist new engineers on projects, policies, and processes.
• Can identify and create awareness of cost savings and efficiency opportunities.
• Can work independently with other packaging engineers and all functions (i.e., procurement, commercial, manufacturing, regulatory, logistic, etc.) to deliver goals on key projects or initiatives, besides set priorities and ensure efficient communication regarding to packaging development.
• Can support other packaging engineers on data systems and structures activities (MDM, SAP, range management systems, write packaging specifications, assembly instructions, test reports etc.) and is capable of proactively identifying improvement opportunities.
• Capable of delivering innovative technologies and innovation.
• Performs packaging shelf-life and compatibility testing for new formulations and/or changes as necessary to ensure registration acceptability.
• Supports GLP test inspection of packaging materials.
• Support qualification tests of packaging innovations and cost savings opportunities.
• Support risk assessments and other safety requirements for packaging development activities.

Skills

• Technical skills referenced to TCDS.
• Must uphold high organizational standards, values, and policies, especially for Health Safety and Environment.
• Must understand stakeholder and customer needs, develop, and maintain a strong network with them.
• Must have a highly collaborative approach in working across regions to simplify, harmonize and continuously improve formulation processes.
• Must have ability to communicate technical facts, ideas, and opinions to a general or technical audience.
• Must have experience using ISTA/UN and ASTM packaging standards.
• Must have expertise with non-GLP testing protocols.
• Must be well organized and have strong attention to detail.
• Must have good project management skills to perform packaging development and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to interpret packaging test data results objectively.
• Must be highly structured and systematic problem-solving ability to understand testing performance and propose feasible design solutions.

Behaviors

• Able to work effectively in cross functional teams, and across multiple functions.
• Actively engages in project team discussions to share knowledge and experience as a packaging engineer.
• Adaptable to changes in project deliverables and embraces new ways of working. Contributes to the solution.
• Mentors other packaging engineers by sharing knowledge and innovative ideas. Is open to suggestions/feedback from others.
• Takes initiative to identify and address department needs and removes roadblocks to completing projects promptly.

Requirements

Education / Experience /Qualifications

• B.S. Packaging Engineering degree with 10+ years of proven experience in (adjusted based on further degree) technical position in packaging development or packaging manufacturing.
• Strong continuous improvement, process risk assessment and HSE excellence mindset.
• Experience working in cross-functional organizations, transiting in a dynamic and uncertain environment ensuring effective and focused project delivery (on time and in budget).
• Proven ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple requests from different stakeholders.
• Understanding of the end-to-end processes for product development, formulation processing scale-up and lifecycle management.

Approximate Time Allocation

• A minimum of 50% packaging laboratory work.
• Up to 25% travel requirements.