Associate Packaging Engineer

Associate Packaging Engineer

Research & Development (R&D) | Reports to: Senior Manager, Packaging Development

Company Overview

Barr Brands is a branded consumer products company with a portfolio spanning specialty cleaning, paint and coating removal, moisture control, antimicrobial solutions, lawn care, skin care, and automotive surface prep. Brands include Goof Off, Mold Armor, Spray and Forget, CitriStrip, Jasco, Klean-Strip, Klean-Strip Green, DampRid, Microban, BullDog, and Klean-Strip Automotive. This role focuses primarily on chemical-product plastic bottles, closures, trigger sprayers, and dispensing devices, including platforms supporting Mold Armor, Home Armor, Spray and Forget, and CitriStrip.

Position Summary

The Associate Packaging Engineer is an entry-level member of the R&D Packaging Development team who supports packaging testing, continuous improvement, specifications, and new product development. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, this position helps ensure bottles, closures, metal cans, sprayers, and dispensing systems are compatible with products, perform reliably for consumers, and run effectively on manufacturing lines. The role offers hands-on exposure to packaging materials, suppliers, manufacturing, and structured engineering problem-solving.

Role Scope and Decision Authority

· Support assigned packaging projects and recommend solutions based on test data, quality, cost, manufacturability, and timing.

· Assist with supplier communications, prototype evaluations, manufacturing trials, and technical documentation.

· Prepare findings and recommendations for review; final design approvals, tooling decisions, and packaging sign-off remain with designated senior personnel.

· Work with R&D, Sourcing, Operations, QA/QC, Regulatory, Artwork, and Commercial teams while learning cross-functional processes.

Key Responsibilities

Existing Packaging and Continuous Improvement (Primary Focus)

· Assist in investigating bottle, closure, trigger sprayer, and dispensing-system performance issues, including leaks, fit, spray function, and manufacturing defects.

· Collect and analyze dimensional measurements, quality results, complaint trends, and line-trial observations; help identify potential root causes.

· Support packaging trials and improvement activities intended to reduce scrap, downtime, and consumer complaints.

· Learn and apply basic tolerancing, critical-to-quality dimensions, inspection procedures, and measurement techniques.

Specifications and Documentation (Secondary Focus)

· Create, update, and organize packaging specifications, drawings, component records, and change documentation under established review and approval processes.

· Learn to use SpecRight and Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) for packaging specifications and master data.

· Check component records for completeness, including dimensions, tolerances, materials, test requirements, and acceptance criteria.

New Development and Packaging Testing (Third Focus)

· Support prototype evaluation, component testing, and supplier-led development for plastic bottles, metal cans, closures, sprayers, and molded devices.

· Assist with package/formulation compatibility, leak resistance, dispensing performance, and shelf-life evaluations in partnership with R&D.

· Participate in improvement and future-development activities for the Home Armor Wand system under senior engineering guidance.

· Document test plans, procedures, observations, results, and recommendations; assist with qualification activities.

· Support secondary and tertiary packaging evaluations, including cartons, shippers, pallet patterns, and distribution testing.

· Explore opportunities for material reduction, recyclability, and post-consumer recycled content while considering safety and performance.

Engineering Environment

· Hands-on work in an office, laboratory, and manufacturing setting, with exposure to internal and external testing partners.

· Collaboration with internal CAD resources and packaging suppliers.

· Training and practical use of SpecRight, D365, packaging measurement tools, and applicable test methods.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.

· Recent graduates are encouraged to apply; 6 month internship is a plus.

· Foundational understanding of packaging materials, engineering principles, data analysis, and technical documentation through coursework, labs, or projects.

· Ability to learn measurement and testing methods, interpret basic technical drawings, and work safely around chemical products and manufacturing equipment.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

· Packaging internship, co-op, capstone, laboratory, or manufacturing project experience.

· Coursework or project exposure to rigid plastic packaging, dispensing systems, material compatibility, and secondary/tertiary packaging.

· Exposure to CAD tools such as SolidWorks, or packaging tools such as CAPE or Esko Graphics.

· Familiarity with specifications or ERP software (including SpecRight or D365), basic statistics, root-cause analysis, and quality inspection.

· Introductory knowledge of DOT packaging requirements or packaging testing standards.

Key Competencies

· Learning agility: asks questions, seeks feedback, and develops technical knowledge.

· Analytical problem-solving: gathers reliable data and applies structured reasoning.

· Attention to detail: produces accurate test records, specifications, and change documentation.

· Collaboration and communication: works effectively with engineers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.

· Execution and ownership: manages assigned tasks, meets deadlines, and escalates risks appropriately.

· Quality and safety mindset: follows procedures and considers consumer, product, and manufacturing performance.

Role Competencies

· Work Excellence: takes responsibility for accurate, reliable work and follows through on commitments.

· Self-Awareness and Collaboration: demonstrates respect, openness to feedback, and effective teamwork.

· Managing Priorities: organizes assigned activities and communicates progress and obstacles.

· Innovation: approaches problems with curiosity and proposes practical improvements.

· Customer Ownership: considers consumer experience and internal customer needs in packaging decisions.

Work Environment and Travel

Hybrid office, laboratory, manufacturing, and supplier environment. Up to 10–20% travel to suppliers and manufacturing partners to support trials, testing, and qualifications.

ADA / Reasonable Accommodation

Barr Brands will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Barr Brands is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Disclaimer

This job description reflects the essential functions of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.