Product Development Engineer - Flexibles

About Outlook Group

Outlook Group is a full-solution packaging manufacturer with over 45 years of experience in the packaging and printing industry. We specialize in flexible packaging, custom printed labels, including folding cartons, and integrated contract packaging solutions. Our talented team collaborates with customers to design and manufacture custom-engineered solutions that meet specific needs. We believe in providing tailored solutions to ensure customer satisfaction.

Role Description

We are seeking a Product Development Engineer - Flexibles with proven expertise in flexible packaging. This role will lead the development and commercialization of new packaging structures, films, laminations, and pouch formats, while also providing technical support across our labels and folding carton businesses. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with a practical, customer-focused mindset to deliver solutions that meet performance, cost, and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from concept to commercialization for flexible packaging applications (films, laminations, pouches).
• Work with suppliers to identify innovative raw materials, adhesives, inks, and films to support growth and sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to translate customer needs into packaging solutions.
• Design, test, and qualify new materials, structures, and processes in alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support manufacturing scale-up, trials, and troubleshooting for new products and processes across flexible, label, and carton platforms.
• Maintain detailed documentation of development activities, testing results, and project status.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost, efficiency, performance, and environmental impact of packaging.
• Learn about and collaborate with other company Product Development Engineers, regarding labels, folding cartons and integrated packaging solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience.
• 3-7 years of product development experience in flexible packaging (films, laminations, or converting).
• Strong understanding of materials, laminations, barrier properties, sealing, and converting processes.
• Experience in lab testing (tensile, seal strength, WVTR/OTR, migration) and manufacturing trials.
• Knowledge of sustainability trends and recyclable/compostable packaging materials is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.
• Able to work on-site in Neenah, Wisconsin with domestic business travel occurring 20-25% of the time.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to make an impact developing sustainable and innovative packaging solutions across flexible, label, and carton
• Work with a collaborative and supportive team.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a 401k match program.
• Growth opportunities in a dynamic and expanding organization.