Title:  Project Engineer (Packaging)

MISSION / SUMMARY: 

The Project Engineer position is a position at GPI’s Foodservice Technical Center with responsibilities for leading and supporting new production development and innovation projects. The candidate needs to utilize both technical expertise and project management skills to lead the introduction of new products into GPI’s product pipeline, direct rapid prototyping efforts, lead pilot runs and support production scale up. The position is part of a world class talented engineering & technical team at GPI’s Foodservice Technical Center and will report to the Senior Manager, Research & Development.

JOB FUNCTIONS: Job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead assigned innovation projects for Foodservice Packaging, such as fiber-based cups, containers, cartons, and lids.
• Organize, plan, and execute assigned projects. Manage project timeline, resources, and budgets.
• Develop subject matter expertise for Foodservice Packaging products, equipment, and processes.
• Coordinate lab and other evaluations. Provide recommendations on converting trials and potential risks & mitigation plans.
• Lead converting trials either in the manufacturing facilities or on pilot lines. Provide recommendations on converting trials and potential risks & mitigation plans.
• Lead pilot runs in the manufacturing facilities and support commercialization.
• Work directly with other innovation resources in experiments, trials, and prototyping.
• Build, lead, and maintain relationships with equipment and service vendors.
• Report out project progress and provide recommendations to internal and external stakeholders and lead teams.
• Provide detailed technical reports and document all work to pursue intellectual property.
• Other duties as assigned.

DELIVERABLES:

• Project schedules, risk analysis and mitigation plans
• Project reports and documentation
• Presentations to internal and external stakeholders and lead teams 

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE:

• 3 years relevant experience in technical project management, experience in the packaging industry is a plus.
• Experience collaborating directly with suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and customers from project start to finish. 

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

• BS degree in mechanical engineering, industrial design engineering, or related field is required.
• Post-graduate course work in a STEM field is a plus.
• Knowledge of food packaging products, converting equipment and processes is a plus.
• Experience with project management tools, e.g., Microsoft Project.
• Experience with DOE design and data analysis software is a plus. 

SKILLS:

• Must have demonstrated technical project management skills.
• Must have demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to be self-directed and manage priorities. 

SCHEDULE DEMANDS:

• General schedule is an 8-hour M-F assignment, however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail.
• Position may require up to 25% travel.
• Occasional ability to work remotely. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up to 8-hours.
• Occasional Lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment. 

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Project management
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Technical learning
• Documentation
• Presentation

Required Skills

• Must have demonstrated technical project management skills.
• Must have demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to be self-directed and manage priorities. 

Required Experience

• 3 years relevant experience in technical project management, experience in the packaging industry is a plus.
• Experience collaborating directly with suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and customers from project start to finish. 

 At Graphic Packaging International (NYSE: GPK), we produce the box you may have poured your child's cereal from this morning, the microwaveable tray that heated your lunch, the paper cup that held your coffee throughout the day, and the carrier of those bottles of craft beer you may enjoy tonight! We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are a team of collaborative, innovative, passionate individuals who are committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. 

With almost 18,000 employees working in more than 70 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, we strive to be an environmentally responsible leader in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful. 

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.

Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference. 

 Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the EEO is the Law Poster