Principal Packaging Engineer - (Escape the crowds and move to serene Idaho)

• ** Role is based in Idaho Falls, ID - Relocation assistance available***

"Enhancing the Lives of Those We Touch by Helping People Reach Their Goals"For over 35 years, Melaleuca has taken this mission statement to heart. It is our guiding principle. Everything we accomplish is done with an eye toward promoting the physical, environmental, financial, and personal wellness of those around us.

We carefully craft products you use every day with the highest standards of safety, health, and wellness in mind. We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent that wants to be a part of something more than just a company but someone who shares in our mission of “Enhancing Lives”. If this is you, Melaleuca's got a place for you, right on the front lines of a world-class company where your training, your talents, your experience and your enthusiasm can make an impact—right from day one.

This position offers you the opportunity to make a difference at one of the world's top health and wellness companies as you assume a key leadership role as a Packaging Engineer. You will expand your skills and experience across our Cosmetics, Home Care, Personal Care, Sports Nutrition, Weight Management and Healthy Snacking product lines. We foster an open, energizing and collaborative environment and our team is made up of passionate professionals who deliver to high standards but also have fun in the process. While R&D is a strategic driving force in our global organization our Packaging team is relatively small, so your successes will be noticed.

Job SummaryThe Packaging Engineer will perform a wide variety of technical tasks in support of specific new or existing Melaleuca products, under the supervision of the Packaging Section Manager. Provide technical guidance on packaging material selection and design. Approximately 75% of their time will be working on projects related to our food/supplement categories and approximately 25% on personal care related projects. Recommends/specifies appropriate product packaging, as well as solves existing package related issues. These tasks are highly specific and usually require the use of quantitative methods and the application of technical judgment to assist in the development of new packaging or to troubleshoot problems with existing packaging configurations.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential

Assist in the development of packaging solutions for new and existing products, which includes recommending, qualifying, and approving packaging configurations. Work with Marketing, Production, Engineering, and external vendors to evaluate new package designs and prototypes. With a particular focus on packaging for food and supplements.Take ownership of all packaging related issues, including both domestic and international products with a particular focus on our food and supplements.Provide support to Operations to solve packaging-related manufacturing problems.Create & maintain packaging component specifications.Review and approve Finished Good specifications and other packaging-related paperwork maintained by Document Control.Attend weekly Category team meetings as a subject-matter expert representative for the R&D Department. Work with Lab Technicians to prepare samples & perform weight loss, compatibility, and functionality tests for trial compositions & packaging.Evaluate and measure packaging components to determine acceptability for use, including reviewing & understanding technical drawings.Evaluate competitive products, Melaleuca products, and trial compositions according to established procedures.Calibrate, operate, and maintain specialized packaging testing equipment, as well as general lab equipment.Use all available physical & electronic resources to research technical problems and find appropriate solutions independently.AdditionalMentor and train Lab Technicians as needed.Represent the R&D/Packaging Dept. in support of QA, Operations, Purchasing, and Marketing activities.Coordinate line trials of new or alternate packaging components as part of the qualification process with Production & Engineering.Obtain information and samples from Melaleuca suppliers for testing and evaluation.Interface with R&D Scientists and associates develop packaging and solve packaging related problems.Maintain Melaleuca corporate confidentiality standards for all interactions with outside vendors, suppliers, and other parties.Perform and summarize experimental designs incorporating multiple samples.Train associates in the use of laboratory equipment and procedures.Performs special projects under the direction of the Pkg. Engineer or Packaging Section ManagerDocument status of projects regularly to the Packaging Section ManagerPerforms other duties as assigned or needed.Supervision of OthersMentor and train Lab Technicians as needed under the direction of the Packaging Section Manager.

EssentialBachelor of Science degree (Packaging, Material Science, or Engineering background preferred)5+ years of direct packaging industry experience in Consumer ProductsExcellent math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc.).AdditionalConsumer packaging-related experience required.Previous work experience in consumer products companies (food, vitamins, supplements, personal care etc.) is preferred.Previous experience with Good Manufacturing Practices and OTC products preferred.Knowledge of commonly used lab instruments (e.g. balance/scales, calipers, etc.). Package testing equipment experience is a plus.Familiarity with basic statistical tests.Familiarity with material testing procedures, such as ASTM, SPI, ISTA, etc.Just as important as your experience and skills will be the following characteristics and competencies:A natural orientation for continuous improvement and problem solving.A collaborative approach and willingness to engage in an environment of active idea sharing.Sharp organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.The ability to produce consistent quality under deadline pressure while paying careful attention to detail.Self-motivation and a strong sense of ownership and accountabilityExcellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to analyze problems and create solutions.Detailed work and organizational skills.Ability to work independently and professionally.