R&D Packaging Engineer, Wellbeing Collective

The R&D Packaging Engineer, Wellbeing Collective, will be responsible for developing best-in-class packaging to support the growth ambition for the Wellbeing Collective. This role will deliver consumer-centric, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging solutions for the Wellbeing Collective portfolio. This role supports innovation and renovation projects across hydration, vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS) and other Wellbeing categories.

Location: Trumbull, CT (Hybrid)

Key Responsibilities

• Manage assigned packaging projects and tasks by overseeing packaging projects from concept to commercialization.

• Support the packaging development process for international launches of Wellbeing Collective brands across North and South America.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, Marketing) and understand the role cross-functional areas play in the overall package development process.

• Develop primary packaging, secondary packaging, and shipping/distribution containers for products in response to customer quality, marketing requirements, and manufacturing partner capabilities.

• Ensure compliance with technical, regulatory, and sustainability standards.

• Partner with packaging converters and material suppliers to create and renovate packaging components.

• Support the development and coordination of trial plans with suppliers and co-packers for packaging line trials.

• Perform and document package qualification and distribution testing in accordance with established Unilever protocols, ensuring accurate and well-maintained technical data records by interpreting results, preparing reports, and communicating results/recommendations to the project team.

• Prepare & maintain accurate technical documentation and specifications in AWS for packaging components.

• Comply with the Unilever Code of Business Principles and all Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) and Quality Assurance (QA) policies, including the support of product claims, risk management and environmental awareness.

Required Qualifications:

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

• 2–4+ years of packaging development experience in FMCG, VMS, or Pharma to include formats such as sachet laminates, pouches, cartons, bottles, and e-commerce packaging.

• Able to work independently with leadership guidance

• Knowledge of packaging materials and manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with sustainability principles and regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrates the basic principles of project management in the execution of the package development process

• Strong problem solving and organizational skills and proven ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.

• Motivated, self-starter and comfortable working among a team based in different locations.

• Demonstrates strong communication abilities while collaborating effectively with a multicultural team.

• Experience with digital tools, including but not limited to: Specification & database management tools, CAPE, Copilot, Microsoft Suite.

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time throughout North & South America.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of packaging development experience in FMCG (strong preference), VMS, or Pharma, with expertise across formats such as sachet laminates, pouches, cartons, bottles, and e-commerce packaging

• 1+ years of direct professional packaging development experience with international stakeholders including Mexico & the Americas

• Knowledge of PLM, AWS, Pharos and SAP.

• Ability to work in an agile, entrepreneurial environment.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $69,000 to $107,200. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

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