Job Description

It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and executing innovative packaging solutions for PetSmart Proprietary Brands. Core responsibilities of this position combine a high level of technical acumen and advanced-level production design skills across various packaging formats and materials to drive packaging initiatives from concept to commercialization. This individual must have a deep understanding of packaging development and execution - including art file/dieline build, material selection, structural design, testing protocols, data analysis, and process validation.

Operating within a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, this candidate will possess hands-on experience in a similar role within manufacturing, commercial printing/prepress, or agency settings. The Senior Packaging Engineer will lead projects that demand strategic planning, technical precision, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable packaging solutions are delivered on time. This individual must be a strong communicator and can manage multiple assignments/project tasks concurrently along with the ability to complete work with minimal guidance and a calm demeanor.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end development of packaging solutions for Proprietary Brands across a wide range of product categories.
• Strong understanding of printing technologies and production processes (flexographic, offset, gravure, digital, etc.).
• Familiar with working across all packaging formats (flexible, rigid, corrugate, cans, cups, glass).
• Extend shelf-life of products and reduced damage from proper venting, film thickness, sizing and polymer selection.
• Develop frustration free packaging (better seal, function, ergonomics, reduced headspace, etc.).
• Lead technical packaging development projects from concept to commercialization in close partnership with product development.
• Attend Packaging Reviews and provide technical expertise to all Packaging structures for various products.
• Reduce complexity to manage and consolidate various packaging die lines for on-shelf consistent presentation.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and recommend improvements in materials, construction, and printing techniques.
• Apply color management knowledge on various packaging projects.
• Manage technical packaging timelines, provide clear and timely communication, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans leveraging project management skill.
• Complete adaptive design, production, and execution of Proprietary Brand packaging for assigned projects.
• Collaborate with Design, Copywriting and Brand teams to build intuitive and standards-based artwork, including other key assets, like 3D renderings.
• Create 3D models and renderings of various packaging structures.
• Apply subject matter expertise in key areas of Production art file builds and Dieline creation, verification, & maintenance.
• Manage own workflow as regards adaptive design, production of high-quality packaging artwork, assets released to printers and dieline requests.
• Oversee technical proofing reviews at each stage of packaging development.
• Help develop and implement workflow processes and procedures for optimum operational efficiency.
• Maintain awareness of packaging trends, technologies, and innovations that can be applied to PetSmart products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with brand teams, creative, sourcing, product development, vendors, and supply chain partners to ensure consistent, high-quality, and accurately printed packaging execution.
• Function as a role model and mentor to other team members, including minor training to build up the skill sets of others.
• Spearhead key projects that provide major benefits to the team and department.
• Provide support for the Sr. Manager of Packaging Production in regards to forecast planning, backfill on meetings, and the ability to function as a team role model in upholding high standards for graphic design competency, color management, and quality control.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Proven success in working cross-functionally. Able to work equally well with people in business, creative, and technical positions.
• Past success on large projects which have created value and provided measurable results.
• Expert knowledge of packaging types, including corrugate, folding cartons, rigid and flexible plastics, blister packs, and thermoforms.
• Expert understanding of prepress and printing processes and technology.
• Thorough understanding of industry Best Practices for dieline mechanics.
• Thorough understanding of best-in-class file build methods.
• Fanatical about creating efficiencies and order.
• Experienced in the development and adoption of processes.
• Experienced Color Management knowledge and application (CMYK, PMS and CxF).
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects on time while maintaining high quality standards.
• Resourceful and forward thinking.
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt to change quickly with a calm demeanor.
• Ability to drive for results.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

5–8+ years of experience in packaging production development within retail, CPG, manufacturing, or agency/production house environments.

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Design, or related technical/creative discipline.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Expert ability to create, execute, and verify various packaging dielines.
• Expert knowledge of printing & finishing techniques and terminology.
• Expert understanding of substrates and their characteristics.
• Advanced in Adobe Creative Suite (emphasis on Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software.
• Experience with 3D modeling/rendering software (KeyShot or Blender a plus).
• Experience & comfortable performing manufacturing connections, palette pack outs, and packaging sizing.
• Experience with a workflow management system (WorkFront a plus).
• Basic understanding of FTP and Sharepoint functionality.
• Competency/familiarity with Cloud-based.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #Life A tPetSmart here: 
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: 
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: 
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.

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