Company Overview

Springs Window Fashions is a leader in the custom window treatment industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have over 8,000 associates and 18 locations worldwide. Our custom window treatments are available under the Bali, Graber, Sunsetter and Mecho brands in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms and showcased in large commercial buildings.

Our company has invested heavily building capabilities the last three years to become a leader in product innovation. As North America's premier window covering company, we're committed to creating a "Best Experience" for our consumers, channel partners and associates.

We are bringing new innovations to the market at an accelerating pace and have a lot to offer consumers who want to improve their home decor. Despite COVID, our company is experiencing high growth as consumers spend more time at home and want to redecorate.

Job Summary

The Industrial & Packaging Engineer will have dual responsibilities and ownership in creating, delivering and supporting manufacturing systems designs related to both Packaging and Industrial Engineering.

On the Packaging side, this role has will design, test, and implement packaging designs that are an integral part of Springs Window Fashions (SWF) existing and new product development process, review and improve existing packaging designs to improve performance, costs and customer experience.

In addition, this role develops, designs and tests standards and guidelines for developing packaging solutions for all SWF products working with internal & external resources and packaging suppliers to achieve functional and technical packaging goals.

Specific to Industrial Engineering, this role creates and delivers manufacturing system designs at the lowest life cycle costs. Through the application of Lean principals, systems designs will optimize safety and ergonomics, process flow & materials management systems, space utilization through proper station designs, balance between operator standard work and equipment. Utilize methods laboratory to define, validate and deliver process time elements, manual process tools and methods, material racking and WIP tools, operator standard work, machine and operator balance charts & labor linearity plans for multiple volume capacity levels.

Responsibilities

• The Industrial & Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design and function of the packaging for all Window Fashion's products by eliminating waste by deploying continuous improvement methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma problem solving techniques) at the lowest life cycle costs.
• Oversee and manage complete packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing.
• Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving designs, materials and processes and provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions.
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications of product to determine physical characteristics of item, special handling, environmental and safety requirements, and types of materials required for packaging.
• Establish standards and guidelines for supplier evaluation. Evaluate and select packaging suppliers/vendors including plant manufacturing packing equipment.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Work closely with global suppliers, engineering, product management, operations, and sourcing.
• Participate in product introduction teams, to deliver new products to market.
• Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage.
• Work closely with Engineering to optimize packaging supply base for cost, lead time, quality, regionalization, standardization, supply assurance, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Specify and recommend efficiency tools and test methods to develop and validate packaging designs.
• Work with the manufacturing department to ensure that the packaging designs are optimized for manufacturability.
• Develop and implement comprehensive test plans to ensure that packaging exceeds customer specifications.
• Lead development and delivery of all key manufacturing processes.
• Safety and ergonomic designs through use of scientific analysis.
• Detailed Station layouts that supports optimal balance of operator, machine and material flows.
• Plan for every part (PFEP) including material handling systems that supports single piece or small lot production with defined WIP levels.
• Manual tooling, fixtures and material racking.
• Time measurements for all elemental work methods.
• Error proofing techniques at source.
• Process flow, precedence and manufacturing sequence diagrams.
• Operator and Machine balance charts & operator standard work diagrams.
• Capacity Planning Models.
• Support Plant improvement and capability activities and Strategic initiatives projects.

Eductation & Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or Industrial Engineering is required
• Must have 1+ years of experience in Industrial or consumer packaging or relevant education and internship
• Knowledge and understanding of packaging design validation standards (ISTA, ISO, ASTM, etc.), drafting and specification standards is essential
• Demonstrated experience working on improving flow on existing packaging line or setting up a packaging line
• Experience in a packaging materials facility (either corrugated, foam supplier or other)
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proven analytical and problem solving skills including statistical analysis and technical writing
• General computer skills Excel, MS Word, Lotus Notes, MS Project, Access and 3D AutoCAD
• Manage work according to established project timelines and Capital project justification experience
• Creativity is required to develop new processes and solutions in a timely fashion
• ISO 9001 certification (e.g., CQA, CQE, CQIA) is desirable
• Should have experience in rapid prototyping

Behavioral Competencies

• Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drive Engagement - Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
• Instill Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Drive Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Consumer/Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering on customer-centric solutions
• Critical Thinking - Making Sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
• Being Resilient - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
• Optimize Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement