First Quality is a privately-held group of manufacturing companies who are leaders in their respective field.  The organization is run by hands-on owners with dynamic expansion plans to significantly increase the size of the business over the next few years.  We are looking for an experienced Packaging Engineer for our state-of-the-art, water & beverage facility in Lock Haven, PA. 

This position will be responsible for managing the design, development and engineering process for packaging of new and existing products from concept design through production launch to ensure customer satisfaction.    

Principal responsibilities include:

• Materials development including the sourcing and qualification of plastic resins, colorants, additives, etc.

• Sourcing, development and qualification of our primary and secondary equipment, molds, etc.

• Lead new package development activities, critique part designs for Design for Manufacturability and optimum molding and line performance, etc.

• Analyze designs using simulation software for functionality and manufacturability

• Critique tool and mold designs for robust mechanical design and optimum molding performance

• Manage activities with external suppliers including material vendors, development sources, molders, tool makers, etc.

• Lead and/or support the qualification and commissioning process for new assets including qualifications at vendor sites

• Responsible for development of machine processes that consistently yields parts conforming to specifications

• Design and execute experiments (DOEs) to optimize manufacturing process performance

• Lead the technology transfer of new packages and processes from the supplier to our manufacturing site

• Be knowledgeable of new plastics technologies including resins, manufacturing platforms, containers and closures, etc.

• Lead and/or support problem solving and process improvement activities using modern TQM tools and methods, e.g., Lean, Kaizen

• Leads and supports process validation for process improvements.

The successful candidate will have the following skills:

• BS/MS in Plastics, Packaging or Mechanical Engineering preferred.

• Six-Sigma Black Belt certification a plus

• Project Management experience preferred, specifically Stage-Gate Process methodology.

• Injection mold experience, preferably on Husky equipment

• Two-step PET Blow molding experience is required preferably on Krones equipment

• PET Preform and bottles design (CAD not required)

• Use of Total Quality Management tools such as DoE, Kaizen, DFM, FMEA, etc.

• Knowledge of high speed manufacturing.

• Must possess strong communication and interactive skills, capable of working independently or on project teams

If you are looking for the beauty of all four seasons, North Central Pennsylvania is the place for you!  There is something to do for everyone – offering numerous state parks and recreational areas for camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, skiing, boating, and so much more.  The area also offers reasonable home prices, safe schools, friendly neighbors, and picturesque settings.

The company’s philosophy and work environment has been created by an ownership that places a premium on integrity, honesty and teamwork.  As important as a candidate’s qualifications, is their ability to work closely with their colleagues and strive in a politics and ego free atmosphere.

Excellent compensation, benefit package and career advancement! 

E/O/E