Senior Packaging Engineer (Hybrid)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to work on-site at our Carson, CA, headquarters—with the flexibility to work from home depending on design stage. In this role, you will lead end-to-end packaging design for New Product Development and Continuous Improvement areas of Lakeshore operations. The position requires direct interactions with a variety of departments as you create and improve packaging standards as well as manage packaging specs—including detailed drawings, specifications, shipping and handling instructions, and inspection criteria. The ideal candidate has a broad range of knowledge about packaging design, materials and production. Applicants should have strong root cause–analysis skills and an ability to produce quality work under tight deadlines. And we’re here to help you succeed—in 2022 Lakeshore earned its Great Place to Work® Certification™ and is proud to put its associates first. 

A day in the office looks like this: 

• Designing, prototyping and testing packaging components in the Lakeshore design lab, as well as coordinating testing at third-party labs to ensure adequate protection against product damage 
• Performing benchmark evaluations of competitive or proposed product packaging; making ongoing packaging improvements that utilize proposed processes or material changes 
• Identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation and storage 
• Presenting packaging ideas, problems and solutions to CFT Packaging, Lakeshore leaders, Lakeshore’s Asia team and outside vendors; selecting the best packaging solution based on cost, performance, manufacturability and reliability  
• Working with overseas and local corrugated and packaging suppliers to develop and maintain specifications based on production capabilities 
• Working with vendors and internal teams to review packaging prototypes; ensuring packaging fits with Lakeshore’s marketing and branding 
• Researching, developing and validating new packaging materials and technologies to improve quality, cost, handling and customer experience 

• Leading Lakeshore’s efforts to deliver more sustainable packaging solutions 

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, related field of study or demonstrated relevant work history 
• 7+ years of Packaging Engineering experience desired 
• Experience in selecting and specifying packaging materials 
• Broad range of knowledge about packaging manufacturing and production 
• Superb written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent attention to detail, including schedule adherence 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $133,000-$148,000with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount on products that make you smarter
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give