Associate Manager, Packaging Development Engineering

amika means friend. we’re a fearless, Brooklyn-born, salon-raised haircare brand + a friend to all hair, hairstylists, the planet + you. 

we’re rooted in clinical results. each product is infused with our intoxicating scent + powered by our superfruit soul, sea buckthorn. known as one of earth’s most omega-rich plant sources, this potent berry nourishes your skin, scalp + strands. 

we’re a proud pal to the planet + certified B-Corp. from sustainably sourced ingredients + recyclable packaging to our energy-saving production processes, we pledge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, waste + energy to reach Net Zero by 2030. 

having grown up in salons, we know better than anyone how important stylists are—they’re our confidantes + community. Think of us as your at-home hairapist, here to empower self-expression + bring joy to your haircare experience. all hair is welcome™. 

the job:

The Engineer is responsible for driving their projects and soliciting other team members to ensure the required packaging tasks are performed in a timely manner and meet all technical aspects. The Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional internal partners (Project Management, Procurement, Product Development, Marketing, Creative, Quality, and Supply Chain) and external partners (manufacturers & component vendors) to drive a successful launch. In addition to the above, the engineer will also drive packaging improvement, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

location: Brooklyn, NY (can work remotely)

salary: $105,000 - $118,000 + benefits

what you'll do:

• Project Leadership: lead the end-to-end development and engineering of packaging for multiple projects of varying complexities, ensuring all deliverables are met on time and within scope.
• Strategic Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional internal partners to drive alignment and ensure the successful execution of packaging initiatives.
• Packaging Innovation: Source and implement stock or develop custom-built packaging solutions that meet Marketing briefs, ensuring innovation and cost-effectiveness.
• Supplier and Manufacturer Partnership: Collaborate with component suppliers and manufacturers to develop, modify, and issue specifications, Bills of Materials (BOM), and test results, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Technical Oversight: Review and approve technical engineering drawings for components and assemblies, ensuring accuracy and adherence to design specifications.
• Artwork and Dieline Management: Validate dielines, oversee the approval of packaging-related aspects of artwork routing, and manage proof approvals prior to production release.
• Color Development Coordination: Lead packaging color development efforts, ensuring alignment with project timelines and securing necessary approvals from designers.
• Quality Assurance and Testing: Oversee the accurate performance of all required testing parameters for package development, mitigating risks associated with product launch and consumer use.
• Secondary and Tertiary Packaging Oversight: Review and approve secondary and tertiary packaging proposals from suppliers and manufacturing sites, including shipper size, corrugated material, gross weight, case count, and palletization patterns.
• Standards and Compliance Management: Manage, review, and approve packaging standards and range boards, ensuring they are distributed to component suppliers, manufacturing sites, and internal quality teams.
• Line Trial Participation: Attend line trials, summarize results, and implement action plans to address any identified issues.
• Quality Issue Resolution: Support the Quality team in resolving quality issues for both new developments and existing products, providing expert guidance and solutions.
• Additional Responsibilities: Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Head of Packaging to support the department's workflow and objectives.

must haves:

• Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience in packaging development and engineering, demonstrating a track record of managing complex projects.
• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Packaging Engineering or a related discipline.
• Technical Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of molding processes, resins, and package testing methods.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient with SolidWorks software and 3D printing technologies.
• Industry Insight: Deep understanding of the Product Development process, Manufacturing execution, Supplier processes, Marketing integration, and Computer Applications.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Demonstrated initiative in addressing and resolving queries from other functions promptly, ensuring timely communication, and effectively escalating issues when necessary.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including verbal and written communication, active listening, and the ability to provide support with trust, respect, and transparency.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities with the capacity to predict, recognize, and implement meaningful corrective actions to complex issues.
• Technical Proficiency: Must be PC literate and highly competent with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel functionalities

ready to apply?

Please click the link that will bring you to our careers page through Greenhouse. Submit a cover letter describing yourself and why you’d be the perfect fit, along with your resume.