Technical Engineer – Packaging

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Create, develop, and enhance packaging and packaging automation solutions across various facilities.

• Balance considerations of product safety, cost efficiency, regulatory standards, and brand guidelines.

• Work collaboratively with Brand, Product Development, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams.

• Design and validate packaging solutions for transportation, storage, and handling requirements.

• Identify automated manufacturing processes for new product packaging.

• Oversee cross-functional line validation studies for chosen packaging options.

• Investigate and select automation solutions tailored to site volume, staffing levels, and regulatory demands.

• Conduct financial assessments of automation solutions to optimize capital investment returns.

• Spearhead the integration of packaging automation into current manufacturing processes.

• Provide technical transfer at the equipment level, training on controls, commissioning support, and empower site teams.

• Establish systems for Autonomous Maintenance and Planned Maintenance.

• Lead IQ, OQ, and PQ validations and technical transfers in collaboration with the Quality department.

• Manage label printing and marking equipment hardware across multiple sites, including selection, installation, qualification, and ensuring uptime.

• Diagnose issues with packaging automation equipment and implement corrective measures to reduce downtime.

• Offer engineering startup support for new facilities, encompassing equipment layout, requirements definition, construction handoff, regulatory adherence, process development, technical transfer, and controls training.

• Maintain as-built records, drawings, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Contribute to packaging strategy with engineering insights on equipment capabilities, limitations, and automation alternatives.

• Coordinate turnover documentation, spare parts planning, and technician training with the Maintenance team.

• Travel to GTI manufacturing and processing sites as needed.

• Address workplace hazards, implement safety/compliance training, report incidents, and adhere to GMP, biosecurity, sanitation, PPE, and quality standards.

• Engage in regular physical activities such as reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions; sit and/or stand for extended durations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Packaging Engineering or Technical Engineering.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated experience in packaging engineering within a regulated consumer goods or similar manufacturing sector.

• Experience in the cannabis industry or other highly regulated environments is highly preferred.

• Proven track record of driving efficiency and continuous improvement in an automated manufacturing setting.

• Practical experience with packaging equipment, including flow wrappers, combination scales, bag fillers, labelers, case packers, and associated automated systems.

• Solid understanding of packaging materials, substrates, and sealing technologies, including heat seal, pressure-sensitive, induction, and tamper-evident applications.

• Experience in managing packaging engineering projects through IQ, OQ, and PQ validation phases.

• Knowledge of TPM-based continuous improvement methodologies and lean manufacturing principles.

• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time to GTI manufacturing locations, often at short notice.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation abilities.

• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

• Capability to manage large-scale projects from initial concept to final implementation.

• Ability to work autonomously and flexibly prioritize tasks.

• Capacity to handle multiple priorities and shift focus among different tasks/projects.

• Proficient at collaboratively leading and influencing stakeholders across various organizational functions.

• Must successfully pass all required background checks.

• Must comply with all legal and company regulations pertinent to the industry.

• Minimum age requirement of 21 years.

• Possession of a valid state ID.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Must be able to obtain and uphold state badging requirements for employment in the cannabis sector.

• Ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environment.

• Daily exposure to allergens such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil.

🏝️ Benefits

• Discretionary annual incentive program may be available, contingent on organizational and individual performance.