Packaging Engineer I (Packaging Design)

The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for packaging development and testing for new products, cost reductions and support of supply chain effectiveness for Rheem’s Water Heater Products. This role will engage among development teams in design for product transport, design of transit capable product packaging, and supply chain characterization. The position will also facilitate periodic cross-functional reviews for product packaging effectiveness, workflow planning, and opportunities assessments related to product delivery. 

This position will serve our Rheem North America Division, located in Montgomery, AL or Fort Smith, AR (Hybrid). This role follows our hybrid work arrangement, with team members working in the office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays. Relocation assistance is available. 

The selected candidate should be prepared for the possibility of 10% travel to engage with suppliers and manufacturing sites aligning with strategic business requirements.

• Development of packaging for new products, cost reductions and other projects 
• Define and maintain packaging test protocols (PTP) in the qualification of packaging designs consistent with characteristics of product distribution models and Total Supply Chain (TSC) plans. 
• Guide development teams in the assessment and design of products for TSC loads and handling. 
• Engage development teams in considering potential TSC alternatives and handling plans needed to ensure cost effective product delivery.  
• Serve as coordinator for the design of packaging concepts, creation of functional packaging prototypes, and testing of packaging designs through suppliers, consultants, and other internal resources. 
• Maintain portfolio of packaging related projects, assignments and success metrics for effective and timely deployment of packaging needs. 
• Investigate and troubleshoot serious packaging related problems and opportunities, documenting findings and perform corrective actions.  
• Periodically evaluate cost reductions opportunities and sustainability through source reduction, material selection, design efficiency, shipping efficiency improvements and the like.  
• Stay up to date with packaging community and other resources to remain abreast of emerging technologies for introduction of new opportunities to the company. 
• Conduct cross-functional reviews with Division managers to measure product delivery effectiveness, establish special assignment teams and develop yearly objectives.  

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science or Mechanical Engineering 
• Diverse knowledge of packaging materials, applications and equipment is required.
• Working knowledge of ASTM, ISTA, ISO and other packaging qualification standards.
• Experience in developing packaging test protocols representing a total supply chain. 
• Support of production start-ups and equipment trials for new packaging design projects.
• Working knowledge of ArtiosCad, Solidworks, or similar solid modeling software.

HOW TO STAND OUT

• 0-2 years industry experience in packaging design and application.
• Experience in formulating optimizations involving functionality and costs. 
• Application of design of experiments (DOEx) to characterize complex packaging challenges. 
• Finite element analysis (FEA) assisted design to simulate loads, product stresses, and multivariable factors.
• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) 
• Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional (CPLP) 

At Rheem, how you achieve results is as important as the results you achieve. While LEADING SELF, you will be expected to demonstrate the following competencies and behaviors:

• Adapting 

• Business Understanding 

• Collaborating 

• Communicating Effectively 

• Continuously Improving 

• Customer-Orientation 

• Developing Self 

• Focusing on Results 

• Influencing 

• Managing Relationships 

• Managing Work 

• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements. 

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