Staff Engineer - Packaging Innovation (Remote)

The Staff Engineer leads technology scouting, evaluation, and development initiatives to support low-cost leadership, operational scalability, and sustainable packaging innovation. Drives cross-functional collaboration to identify emerging technologies, assess technical and commercial feasibility, and translate concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions. Supports strategic initiatives through data-driven problem solving, supplier engagement, process optimization, and development of next-generation packaging systems. Discover new product possibilities or Intellectual Property through experimentation based on scientific method. Interacts with other team members to create new products and systems, improve line efficiency, quality, or enable other projects which add value to Niagara's core business.
Essential Functions

• Lead technology scouting, evaluation, and development initiatives aligned with low-cost leadership, manufacturing scalability, and sustainable packaging innovation
• Design, develop, and implement Research & Development (R&D) projects, including material evaluations, process-property relationship studies, virtual engineering/modeling, and development of new testing methodologies.
• Plan and execute experimental trials on manufacturing lines and pilot systems; collect, analyze, and interpret data to support technical recommendations and scalable implementation.
• Develop predictive models and data-driven insights to improve product performance, process robustness, and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for product, packaging, and process optimization through analytical and engineering-based approaches.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners/suppliers to support strategic innovation initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and external partnerships for technical feasibility, commercial viability, and strategic fit.
• Design and conduct laboratory testing using R&D equipment, including development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical reports, and validation protocols.
• Support manufacturing trials, commercialization activities, and product launches across multiple production facilities.
• Present technical findings, strategic recommendations, and project updates to internal and external stakeholders, including leadership teams.
• Support intellectual property development, technical documentation, and innovation strategy initiatives.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:

• 6 Years - Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Mechanics or Material Science
  • 6 Years - Experience in Position, industry or in a Research laboratory
  • 6 Years - Experience working with engineers, graduate researchers, interns or lab assistants

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 8 Years- Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Mechanics or Material Science
  • 8 Years - Experience in Position, industry or in a Research laboratory
  • 8 Years - Experience working with engineers, graduate researchers, interns or lab assistants

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

Proficiency in, but not limited to:

• Advanced data analysis
• Publication quality communication skills (documents and presentations)
• Proven experience with analytical laboratory equipment such as a Material Strength Testers, Full-Field Measurement techniques (strain), thermal analysis techniques (DMA, DSC), etc
• Skills with handling large data sets and analysis tools like Matlab, Python, etc..
• Problem Solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Detail oriented and accurate - minimizes mistakes, follows every step in a process and follows through with all tasks
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group.
• Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates presentation skills.
• Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Microsoft Office Products.

Beneficial, but not required:

• Injection molding or blow molding experience.

Lifting Requirements:

• 40 lbs. For example, must be physically capable to change injection molds and resin in lab or production equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Travel up to 15%. Some work in hot, cold, or confined production environments.
• Must be able to operate tools used when changing molds and operating R&D equipment.

This position embodies the values of Niagara's LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner
  • Makes safety the number one priority
  • Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately
  • Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals
  • Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly
  • Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively
  • Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers
• InnovACT
  • Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products
  • Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances
  • Increases performance through greater efficiency
• Find a Way
  • Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts
  • Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions
  • Seeks solutions rather than placing blame
• Empowered to be Great
  • Consistently looks for ways to improve one's self through growth and development opportunities
  • Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across
  • Communicates effectively to manage expectations

Education

• Minimum Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Materials engineering and other related fields or equivalent experience.

• Preferred:
  • Master's Degree in Mechanical/Materials engineering and other related fields or equivalent experience.

Foreign Language

• Required: None Required
• Preferred: Minimum Professional Proficiency, Spanish

Typical Compensation Range
Pay Rate Type: Salary

$107,514.38 - $153,208.01 / Yearly

Bonus Target: 10% Annual

Benefits

Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:

Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves
• Medical, including virtual care options
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
• Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
• And more!

https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits