We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet. 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.  
 
We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications. 

 

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Job Summary

Acuity Brands is seeking a skilled Packaging Engineer to develop innovative solutions safeguarding our world-class lighting & electronic products, including fixtures and smart devices. This role demands a keen eye for detail and a focus on optimizing packaging for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, the ideal candidate will design, simulate, test, and refine packaging for single use consumer packaging and multiple use returnable packaging designs to withstand various shipping methods (including truck-load, LTL, ocean container and single piece parcels shipped via overnight parcel carriers) to prevent concealed damage and ensure product integrity throughout the entire supply chain. This position is crucial in upholding product safety, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions) Packaging Design & Development: Lead the design and development of innovative packaging solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of lighting products, ensuring the balance between protection, aesthetics, functionality and total cost. Collaborate with product designers, engineers, and marketing teams to ensure packaging aligns with product design specifications and brand identity. Collaborate with our transportation and distribution network partners to optimize packaging and palletizing formats and materials to maximize space utilization, reduce costs, and improve transportation efficiency. Develop detailed CAD drawings and 3D models that can be utilized to test through virtual simulations and/or produce packaging prototypes with engineering tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD and others. Define and execute packaging design reviews to meet production timelines, cost targets, and performance metrics. Testing & Validation: Design and conduct rigorous testing ISTA protocols (e.g., drop tests, vibration tests, compression tests) to ensure packaging integrity under real-world conditions. Analyze testing results, identify potential vulnerabilities, and iterate on packaging designs to improve durability and reliability. Develop standardized testing procedures to be followed by quality assurance teams, ensuring that all packaging meets industry standards and internal quality benchmarks. • Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Stay at the forefront of packaging industry innovations and trends, bringing fresh ideas to the table to improve packaging designs and processes. Continuously monitor packaging performance across the product lifecycle, analyzing customer feedback, returns data, and supply chain issues to implement improvements. Data Analysis – Evaluate current product packaging designs vs. cost-of-quality data sets to identify and recommend opportunities for product quality and cost-out opportunities while maintaining or improving product integrity for customer satisfaction. Champion the adoption of new technologies, including automation in packaging, to streamline processes and reduce time to market. • Collaboration and Cross Functional Teamwork: Serve as the subject matter expert for packaging within the product development lifecycle, providing technical guidance to teams on packaging requirements and best practices. Collaborate with logistics teams to ensure packaging solutions are optimized for the supply chain, reducing the risk of damage during transportation and improving operational efficiency. Partner with marketing and design teams to ensure packaging aligns with brand aesthetics and enhances the consumer experience. Conduct training and workshops for internal teams on packaging best practices, cost-saving opportunities, and sustainability initiatives. • Regulatory Compliance and Standards Adherence: Ensure all packaging designs comply with international regulations, including safety, labeling, and environmental standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM, EN standards). Keep abreast of global packaging regulations and industry trends, adjusting packaging designs as necessary to meet new compliance requirements. Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to navigate regulatory landscapes in different regions and markets, ensuring smooth product distribution globally. • Supplier and Vendor Management: Work closely with Acuity Sourcing team members, global suppliers and packaging manufacturers to recommend the highest-quality, most cost effective materials that meet corporate sustainability and performance standards. Collaborate with sourcing Team members to assist with technical specifications for supplier relationships, ensuring on-time delivery, cost control, and adherence to specifications. Support sourcing negotiations for pricing and contractual terms with packaging vendors, balancing cost-effectiveness with packaging performance. Perform regular quality audits and oversee the implementation of improvements based on feedback from production and customer service teams. • Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions: Spearhead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of packaging by researching and integrating sustainable materials and processes. Design packaging that minimizes waste, supports recyclability, and is compliant with environmental regulations (e.g., RoHS, WEEE, EPR). Conduct lifecycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of packaging materials and collaborate with R&D teams to explore alternative eco-friendly packaging innovations. Advocate for circular economy principles in packaging design and contribute to the company’s overall sustainability goals. Skills and Minimum Experience Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a closely related field. A master’s degree in Packaging Science or Sustainability is a plus. Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years experience in packaging engineering, with a proven track record of success in the consumer electronics, lighting, or related industries. In-depth experience with packaging design software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) and proficiency in using 3D modeling and packaging simulation (e.g. Artios) tools to assist in creating, evaluating and testing packaging design in virtual and physical packaging. Strong knowledge of packaging materials (e.g., corrugated cardboard, plastics, foam, molded pulp) and their application to protect fragile lighting products. Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturers, with the ability to assist with managing complex vendor relationships and logistics. Proficient in English and Bilingual (Spanish/English) Preferred Skills and Experience Deep understanding of packaging design optimization, including cost analysis, supply chain efficiencies, and risk management. Expertise in packaging testing methodologies and performance evaluation. Knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, life-cycle assessments, and emerging trends in eco-friendly materials. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement creative solutions. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and lead collaborative teams. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Keen attention to detail and a passion for excellence and continuous improvement in packaging performance and sustainability. Other Attributes: Proactive and self-driven with a high level of ownership and accountability. Ability to adapt to changing product requirements, market conditions, and technological advancements in packaging. Familiarity with ERP and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, as well as basic understanding of SAP and similar software.

Working Conditions:

Primarily office-based with opportunities for on-site visits to manufacturing plants, suppliers, and product testing facilities. Substantial local, domestic and international travel (30-40%) may be required to support product design team events, testing, supplier audits and trade shows. Collaborative team environment with an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and achieving sustainable business goals.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity organization.  All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnic or national origin, disability, pregnancy, and religion.

 

Any unsolicited resume submitted to Acuity Brands by a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Brands mailing address, fax machine, or email address, directly to Acuity Brands employees or to the Acuity Brands resume database, shall be deemed the property of Acuity Brands. Acuity Brands will NOT pay a fee for any hiring resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

 

Any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume will be deemed by Acuity Brands to have been referred by the Agency free of charge or fee. This includes any agency that is an approved/contracted provider but does not have the proper approvals to participate in a search.