Kimberly-Clark · 1 week ago
Senior Packaging Materials Engineer
Neenah, WI
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$106K/yr - $131K/yr
8+ years expKimberly-Clark is a company dedicated to creating better care for a better world. The Senior Packaging Materials Engineer will provide leadership in materials and molding for rigid packaging components, ensuring performance, cost, and sustainability outcomes while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
ManufacturingProduct DesignWholesale
No H1B
Responsibilities
Lead selection, development, and optimization of injection‑molded materials and color systems (e.g., PP/PE, TPE/TPV, masterbatch, stabilizers, UV/antioxidants) to meet cost, performance, aesthetics, regulatory, and sustainability targets for rigid packaging components; Translate consumer/brand and engineering requirements into resin grades, additive packages, and molding strategies; define CTQs, tolerances, and performance criteria for part function, fit, and appearance
Own material and component specifications in PLM; create and maintain BOMs, approved sources, and change control and design control with full traceability across SKUs and artwork dependencies
Define and execute robust qualification plans (T=0, line trials, accelerated/real‑time where applicable), including mechanical, sealing/closure force, hinge fatigue, dimensional stability, environmental/chemical compatibility, and distribution‑relevant testing; synthesize results into risk assessments and release recommendations
Lead supplier and tooling partner engagement: resin technical vetting, molder audits, mold DFM/DFA, Moldflow, gating/runner/cooling strategy, cycle‑time optimization, and maintenance/refurbishment plans
Drive cost/value engineering (grade moves, design/geometry optimization, wall‑thickness and rib strategy, resin consolidation, dual‑sourcing) with quantified business cases and disciplined implementation
Ensure compliance with applicable product safety and regional regulatory requirements for packaging contact conditions and additives; partner with Regulatory/Quality to maintain documentation and audit readiness
Advance sustainability outcomes for rigid packaging (e.g., increased PCR content, bio‑based options, design for disassembly, resin identification and on‑pack recyclability guidance) and ensure on‑pack claims align to internal guidance and artwork workflows
Partner with Design and Packaging peers to convert brand intent into manufacturable parts, aligning texture/gloss, color matching, knit/weld line management, and living hinge performance with line capability and consumer expectations
Serve as category SME for injection‑molded rigid packaging (including flip lids): coach and mentor engineers, codify standards/standard work, and share best practices across programs and sites; Lead cross‑functional project work through stage‑gate/IMF processes with clear plans, risks, timing, and stakeholder alignment; present succinct technical recommendations and tradeoffs to management
Lead cross‑functional project work through stage‑gate/IMF processes with clear plans, risks, timing, and stakeholder alignment, present succinct technical recommendations and tradeoffs to management
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer/Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Packaging Engineering (materials focus)
8+ years of hands-on experience in injection-molded packaging materials/components within CPG or adjacent regulated industries, including resin selection and qualification
Demonstrated expertise in polymer-process-part interactions: shrink/warp control, knit line management, living hinge design, dimensional stability, and cosmetic quality
Proficiency with DOE/statistics, failure analysis, and interpretation of lab/line data to drive decisions and de-risk scale-ups
Working knowledge of relevant package/component testing and distribution-relevant evaluations for rigid parts, and ability to translate results into specifications and control plans
Experience with PLM/specification systems and disciplined change control
Strong technical communication and documentation skills
Proven supplier/tooling development experience (resin, molder, tool shop), including DFM, Moldflow, cooling optimization, and multi-cavity scale-up
Preferred
Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer/Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Packaging Engineering (materials focus)
Sustainability experience in PCR integration, color-and-appearance management with PCR, and recyclability-aligned part design and claims pathways
Certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, or CPP
Experience leading PPAP-like qualifications and multi-site commercialization
Subject matter expertise in additional packaging materials such as flexibles, paperboard, and corrugate
Benefits
Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions.
Access to an on-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.
Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents.
Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events.
Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare.
Company
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark ranked among the top 10 World's Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Places to Work Institute for the third year in a row.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Craig Stephen Slavtcheff
Chief R&D Officer
John Carmichael
President, North America
Recent News
2026-01-07
2026-01-07
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