Packaging Engineer(ing) Contract

Napoleon leads the way with innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, unsurpassed customer service and remarkable product quality. Our award-winning products offer a best-in-class experience for all customers’ home comfort needs. While we are proudly Canadian, Napoleon is also fortunate to operate on a world-wide scale.

The warmth and experience that Napoleon product brings to the homes of our customers transcends borders, language, and cultures to elevate everyday experiences, so you love being home. Throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Napoleon creates memorable moments through our stunning designs and innovative technologies.

This posting is for an existing contract vacancy and is actively being recruited for.

Job Title: Contract Packaging Engineer(ing) 

Position Reporting to: Assistant Manager, Production Engineering

Location: 214 Bayview Drive, Barrie (hybrid)

Job Purpose: The Packaging Engineer is primarily responsible for leading packaging development for New Product Development (NPD) initiatives, ensuring high-performance, cost effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that support product launches and commercialization. The role also provides incremental support for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) projects, packaging optimization, and cross-functional packaging-related activities.

Key Competencies 

• Expertise in packaging materials, design methods, and protective packaging systems.
• Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, ISO, and regulatory standards.
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Project management with ability to manage multiple timelines.
• Sustainability and cost optimization mindset.
• Effective communication with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with CAD/packaging design software.

Key Job Functions

1. New Product Development (Primary Focus)

• Lead packaging development for new products from concept through launch.
• Create concepts, prototypes, specifications, and documentation.
• Collaborate to ensure packaging supports manufacturing and quality targets.
• Drive sustainability, material reduction, and cube efficiency.

2. ECO & VAVE Support

• Implement packaging changes related to updates and cost savings.
• Support VAVE evaluations for simplification and standardization.

3. Packaging Performance & Root Cause Analysis

• Support investigation of packaging failures and recommend corrective actions.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure packaging designs meet industry standards (ISTA, ASTM, ISO 9001) and internal quality requirements.
• Maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations, labeling requirements, and retailer guidelines.
• Document packaging specifications, testing results, and approvals for audit and regulatory purposes.

5. Supplier, Customer, and Internal Team Collaboration

• Work with packaging material suppliers to evaluate and select appropriate materials, including sustainable alternatives.
• Collaborate with big-box and other key customers to meet packaging expectations and requirements.
• Partner with internal teams (Design, Manufacturing, Logistics, Procurement) to align packaging solutions with operational needs.
• Support intercompany packaging design, including racks, bins, and bulk shipping solutions.

6. Testing & Validation

• Conduct drop tests, compression tests, vibration tests, and other ISTA or internal validation protocols.
• Evaluate test results and recommend design changes to improve performance and durability.
• Maintain accurate records of testing procedures and outcomes for continuous improvement.

Skills / Knowledge / Experience / Education Required

• Minimum Education: A two-year college diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technician, Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Industrial Engineering Technician, Packaging Engineering Technician, or a related technical discipline. A bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is considered an asset
• Minimum Years of Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in packaging engineering with NPD focus, including VAVE, ECO concept understanding
• Certifications Required: Relevant certifications such as Certified Packaging Professional (CPP), ISTA Certification, or Lean Six Sigma are preferred.
• Computer Software Requirement:
  • CAD/Design: SolidWorks (preferred)
  • PLM: Bluestar PLM
  • ERP/Finance: Microsoft Dynamics D365 F&O
  • Project/Workflow Management: Monday.com
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting and documentation
• Specialized Skills:
  • Packaging material selection and optimization, including sustainable materials.
  • Root cause analysis and problem-solving for packaging failures.
  • Packaging testing and validation (drop, compression, vibration, etc.) per ISTA/ASTM standards.
  • Packaging design software proficiency (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of packaging compliance, regulatory standards, and retailer requirements.

Other Comments

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and testing.
• Project management and time management to handle multiple priorities.
• Adaptability and willingness to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to align solutions to internal and external requirements.