Fast Facts

Learning Resources is seeking a Packaging Engineer II to design and develop innovative, sustainable packaging for educational toys, ensuring compliance with brand and safety standards.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include leading packaging design projects, driving sustainability initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, developing prototypes, ensuring cost optimization, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Skills: Proficiency in CAD software, knowledge of packaging testing protocols, experience with materials selection and structural design, and strong project management skills are required.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field and 3-5 years of relevant experience in packaging design and production.

Location: This job is located in Vernon Hills, IL.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $70,000 - $90,000.

Team & Position Description:

We are on a mission to bring learning to life! We are Learning Resources®, and we have been helping parents and teachers build generations of amazing kids since 1984. Voted among the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces for the last five consecutive years, we’re a family-owned company on a mission to bring learning to life with our award-winning products, including Toy of the Year winners Tumble Trax®, Botley® the Coding Robot, and Coding Critters™. From ABCs and 123s to fine motor and STEM skills, our educational toys offer kids the building blocks they need to succeed in school and develop a lifelong love of learning. We pride ourselves on being committed to our employee’s personal and professional development, a thriving culture and a diverse, creative atmosphere. Along with our culture and competitive benefits package, we offer opportunities for training and development by in-demand, motivating external speakers. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you’ll come join our award-winning team today!

What we’re looking for (Key Performance Objectives):

1. Packaging Design and Development

• Lead the design and development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for a diverse range of toy products, ensuring adherence to brand aesthetics and functional requirements.
•  KPI: Complete 100% of packaging designs within project deadlines, maintaining a 95% approval rate from design and marketing teams.

1. Sustainability Initiatives

• Drive efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly materials and practices in packaging design, aiming to reduce waste and improve recyclability.
•  KPI: Increase sustainable material usage by 15% year-over-year, with a 100% implementation rate for all new product lines.

1. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams

• Work closely with product designers, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging meets branding, cost, and manufacturing requirements.
•  KPI: Ensure 100% of packaging solutions align with product and brand guidelines, maintaining open communication with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.

1. Prototype Development and Testing

• Develop prototypes of new packaging concepts and oversee testing for durability, ease of use, and product protection during transportation.
•  KPI: Achieve a 90% success rate for packaging prototypes passing durability and transport tests on the first attempt.

1. Cost Optimization and Process Improvement

• Continuously evaluate and improve packaging processes to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure product quality.
•  KPI: Identify and implement at least three cost-saving packaging improvements annually, contributing to overall production efficiency.

1. Compliance with Industry Standards

• Ensure all packaging designs comply with global safety and environmental standards for toy packaging, including labeling requirements and child safety regulations.
•  KPI: Achieve 100% compliance with international toy packaging standards and regulations across all product lines.

 Other duties for this role will be assigned as necessary/appropriate.

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in packaging design, development, and testing, preferably in consumer goods, toys, or a similar industry.
• Experience with materials selection, structural packaging design, and packaging production processes (e.g., die-cutting, thermoforming, injection molding).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks) for creating 3D packaging designs and dielines.
• Knowledge of packaging testing protocols (e.g., ISTA standards) to ensure durability and compliance.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and practices.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain impacts on packaging.
• Experience working with vendors and suppliers to develop and source packaging components.

Ideal Attributes:

• Motivational communication skills: excellent presentation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, with a keen eye for detail
• Drives change for the better: offers ideas to increase efficiencies and adds to bottom-line results.
• Connects inside and outside the team: shares information, transfers knowledge and seeks diverse input from others within the team and across the organization.
• Takes Action: proactive and resourceful in solving problems, making solid decisions, and executing on goals.
• Owns Results: follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for actions and produces quality results. 

We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.

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