Project Engineer

Inspired to grow with your experience, learn and share with new colleagues?
 

Huhtamaki is a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling wellbeing and convenience. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety, and help prevent food waste.

We are committed to protecting food, people and the planet and are on the lookout for passionate and consummate professionals to join our growing team to help us deliver on our ambitious 2030 Strategy. We look for colleagues who Care, Dare and Deliver.

Location: Desoto, KS
Travel: Up to 35%

Company: Huhtamaki

About Us: Huhtamaki is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. We are committed to innovation and excellence in delivering products that meet the needs of our customers and the environment. We are seeking a skilled and driven Project Engineer to join our Technology and Development team.

Purpose and Description of Job

The Project Engineer will support strategic commercial growth through the implementation of new packaging structures and material developments. You will lead Technology and Development projects, applying strong project management skills to advance the sustainability, digitalization, growth, and competitiveness goals of Huhtamaki. Your expertise in diverse material and process technologies will be critical in providing technical support for our paperboard product lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Packaging Development:

  • Develop sustainable and innovative packaging from ideation to commercialization, ensuring customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and seamless manufacturing processes.

• Project Management:

  • Utilize strong project management, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills to collaborate with suppliers, customers, internal stakeholders, and operations, ensuring alignment and timely execution of packaging projects.

• Design and Development:

  • Apply mechanical aptitude and proficiency in Artios CAD, Pro E, and AutoCAD to design packaging and machine tooling, improving current products and increasing efficiency while reducing waste.

• Material Qualification:

  • Support the qualification of new materials for product improvement, cost savings, supply chain diversification, and sustainability initiatives.

• Analytical Skills:

  • Design testing protocols for new product development, material qualification, or to identify root causes of technical issues.

Essential Functions

• Product Development and Commercialization:

  • Support paperboard product development, machine design, and process improvement projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Report progress and keep key stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle.

• Innovation and Design:

  • Develop new or improved packaging designs, assist with sample and prototype creation, and generate patentable ideas.

• On-Site Trials and Technical Support:

  • Act as the product and material expert during on-site trials and collaborate with Sales, Customers, Tech Service, Quality, and Operations to resolve product issues.

• Material Qualification Projects:

  • Manage material qualification projects, evaluate supplier materials, and facilitate project activities with cross-functional teams.

• Technical Communication:

  • Communicate and present technical project updates, testing results, and recommendations to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Material Science Expertise:

  • Utilize expertise in material science technologies including paperboard, barrier technologies, adhesives, coatings, inks, waxes, and polymer resins.
  • Share knowledge with global counterparts to foster development.

• Process Technologies:

  • Apply knowledge of process technologies such as printing, slitting, sheeting, die cutting, and forming. Conduct basic troubleshooting of converting equipment.

• Sustainability:

  • Understand and apply sustainability principles in packaging, including materials, market interests, recyclability, compostability, and industry standards.

• Testing and Documentation:

  • Assist in testing packaging functionality, design new testing protocols, and write standard operating procedures, QC protocols, and specifications.

• Customer Specifications and IP Management:

  • Issue customer specifications and drawings, maintain intellectual property, and manage customer expectations.

• Regulatory Understanding:

  • Understand FDA and other applicable regulations for food contact packaging.

Skills and Knowledge

• Project Management:

  • Strong project management skills, ability to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize effectively.

• Independent and Collaborative Work:

  • Self-driven with the ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Presentation and Communication:

  • Effective presentation skills and strong communication abilities.

• Manufacturing and R&D Knowledge:

  • Understanding of manufacturing practices, process analysis, and R&D tools for root cause analysis.

• Organizational and Problem-Solving Skills:

  • Strong organizational, follow-up, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Fundamental understanding of physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistical process analysis, thermodynamics, and material science of paperboard materials.

• Software Proficiency:

  • Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software and Microsoft Office products.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Paper, Packaging, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ years of related project work in R&D and New Product Development, preferably within the packaging industry.

Environment

• Must be available to work onsite Monday through Friday.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support job responsibilities, up to 35%.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for driving growth and innovation, we want to hear from you! Apply today to join our team and contribute to our mission of creating sustainable packaging solutions.

Join us to shape the future together!