Associate Packaging Engineer

As an Associate Packaging Engineer at Tarte, you will support new product development for ten launches each season while overseeing an active catalog of around 300 SKUs. Your main tasks will include identifying creative packaging solutions, developing case pack specifications, conducting transit testing, and ensuring effective communication across departments for successful launches. You will also contribute to the management of packaging data and collaborate closely with production teams and suppliers.

To qualify for the Associate Packaging Engineer position at Tarte, candidates should possess a packaging or mechanical engineering degree as well as a minimum of six months of relevant internship or co-op experience, particularly in the beauty or personal care industry. Key skills include strong core packaging engineering abilities, superior organization and communication skills, attention to detail, and an aptitude for learning new software tools and systems.

The Associate Packaging Engineer role at Tarte has limited travel requirements, allowing you to focus primarily on collaboration and communication with teams and suppliers. Your main responsibilities will be clustered around product development and project management, primarily conducted from a hybrid work environment.

Tarte offers a competitive salary range of $64,350 to $65,000 for the Associate Packaging Engineer position, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401k plan, and access to health and wellness programs. Additional perks include paid vacation time, holidays, summer Fridays, a friendly work environment, and discounts on products at tarte.com.

As an Associate Packaging Engineer at Tarte, you'll be involved in creative and innovative packaging projects that align with brand voice and vision. You'll work on secondary and tertiary packaging projects, develop specifications for case packs and palletized loads, and take part in data management for an active catalog that includes launching ten new products each season.

When discussing your previous packaging experience, focus on specific projects you've contributed to, especially in beauty or personal care. Detail your role in product development, any creative packaging solutions you implemented, and how you collaborated with various teams. Be sure to highlight your organizational skills and how they enabled successful project outcomes.

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks based on timelines, project requirements, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Discuss any tools or strategies you use for staying organized, as well as examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously in previous roles.

Effective communication can involve regular status updates, organized meetings, and digital collaboration tools. Share examples of successful communication strategies you've used in past roles, emphasizing how they facilitated smooth project progression, minimized misunderstandings, and enhanced teamwork.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific challenge you faced in packaging development, outlining the steps you took to resolve the issue and the positive outcome of your actions. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to adapt under pressure.

Discuss specific examples of innovative packaging solutions you've either developed in a previous role or researched that align with market trends. Highlight how these solutions enhance the customer experience, align with brand values, or improve the sustainability of packaging.

Emphasize your understanding of the industry standards and regulatory requirements for packaging in the beauty or personal care sector. Discuss processes you follow to research and verify compliance, engage in transit testing, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure safety in packaging materials.

Provide a recent example of a software or technology change you've adapted to in your packaging engineering work. Explain the learning process you went through, how you implemented the technology, and any positive changes or efficiencies that resulted from the adaptation.

Share your passion for sustainability and how it informs your approach to packaging development. Talk about specific sustainable practices you've employed in previous roles, such as selecting eco-friendly materials or optimizing packaging design to reduce waste.

Discuss the importance of collaboration with contract fillers and how you assess the feasibility of packaging designs. Outline how you communicate project requirements clearly and work together to troubleshoot any potential issues before production.

In your answer, reflect on Tarte's values, product offerings, and its reputation in the beauty industry. Discuss what excites you about contributing to a brand known for its creativity and innovation, and how your skills align with Tarte's mission and vision.