Packaging Engineer
KAYALI · Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Apply & track with Apply EdgeWho We AreFuelled by passion, KAYALI was founded in 2018 by beauty mogul and fragrance fanatic, Mona Kattan. Translating to ‘my imagination' in Arabic, KAYALI provides a modern fragrance experience inspired by Mona's rich Middle Eastern heritage and the art of layering scents to help you create your mood; where sharing scents is a ritual and smelling good is both an act of goodwill and self-love. Mona collaborates with some of the world's most renowned perfumers and sources the finest ingredients to create unique juices that are infinitely memorable, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. Each luxurious fragrance is an ode to true craftsmanship and tells a special story, from the addictive notes to the multi-faceted jewelled bottles.Our MissionTo make everyone feel like the diamond they are! To build a global community of fragrance lovers through the power of scent and by providing them with the most innovative & luxurious fragrances, education and sharing our Middle Eastern fragrance rituals with the world.SummaryThe Packaging Engineer is responsible for managing end-to-end packaging development for low-complexity new products, value engineering, sustainability and change management projects across primary and secondary packaging.The role owns packaging development from concept design through industrialization, ensuring packaging solutions are consumer-centric, technically feasible, sustainable, cost-effective and delivered on time. Working closely with Product Development, Creative Design, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, packaging suppliers and Contract Manufacturers, the Packaging Engineer translates design intent into production-ready packaging ensuring successful execution throughout the product lifecycle.The position independently manages projects within defined complexity boundaries while escalating complex technical challenges and strategic engineering decisions to the Senior Packaging Development Manager.Key ResponsibilitiesPackaging Concept Development & Design Lock Translate Product Development briefs into packaging concepts, pack architecture and manufacturing techniques to achieve decoration intend Develop packaging concepts that balance consumer experience, technical feasibility, sustainability and cost objectives Coordinate concept development with packaging suppliers, including mock-ups, renders, 3D prints and feasibility samples Assess technical feasibility, identify potential packaging risks before Design Lock and propose mitigation actions Ensure packaging concepts meet business objectives before progressing into detailed engineering development Support exploration of new mechanisms, closures and decorative solutions while escalating complex technical or intellectual property considerations when requiredPackaging Engineering & Qualification Own end-to-end technical development of assigned packaging projects from design through industrialization Develop packaging component specifications, fill & assembly specifications and packaging Bills of Material (BOMs) Coordinate technical activities with suppliers including tooling development, technical drawings, dielines, specifications, material documentation and packaging master data Participate in supplier technical discussions to ensure packaging performance, manufacturability and quality requirements are achieved Execute packaging validation testing following established development protocols and testing methodologies during homologation and industrialization Coordinate internal approval of BAT, PPS and Range Boards and artwork approval process Support line trials at manufacturing sites from a fill & assembly perspective, including technical assessment of production readinessSupplier & Manufacturing Coordination Support Purchasing during supplier selection process by leading technical discussions with selected suppliers Coordinate packaging development activities with suppliers throughout the product lifecycle Build effective working relationships with packaging suppliers and CMOs Coordinate engineering changes, product transfers, phase-ins and phase-outs Identify packaging-related technical, quality and supply risks and escalate when appropriateCross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with key stakeholders throughout the packaging development process Drive packaging development updates in Product Development meeting to get approvals as per project milestones. Prepare materials for technical decision meetings Provide packaging technical information to support regulatory compliance activities Support Quality investigations related to packaging by providing technical analysis and recommendationsSustainability, Continuous Improvement & Change Management Integrate packaging sustainability guidelines into packaging concepts including recyclability, PCR content, component simplification and sustainable decoration techniques Support packaging change management activities including technical assessments and validation Contribute to improvements in packaging standards, documentation, development methodologies and governance Support value engineering, cost optimization and continuous improvement initiativesProject Coordination, Documentation & Technical Knowledge Maintain project documentation, technical records and packaging development trackers throughout the project lifecycle Maintain clear communication of project status, actions and technical deliverables with all stakeholders Ensure packaging documentation remains complete, accurate and aligned with internal governance requirements Develop working knowledge of packaging manufacturing capabilities across primary and secondary packaging as well as decoration techniques Contribute to packaging concept libraries, competitive benchmarking and lessons learned to continuously improve future developmentsRequirements Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Industrial Design Minimum 2 years of experience in Packaging Design & Engineering, preferably within cosmetics industry Strong knowledge of packaging materials (glass, plastics, paper, metals) and packaging decoration techniques. Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles at a learning or applied level Knowledge and hands-on experience with tooling, mould development, packaging testing standards and validation protocols Proficiency in CAD software, SolidWorks, Adobe Illustrator and/or KeyShot Strong understanding of global manufacturing environments and supplier managementPreferred Skills Experience with sustainability frameworks Experience with packaging development ERP or similar software Familiarity with luxury packaging standards and aesthetic judgement Analytical, detail-oriented and solution-driven mindset Strong cross-functional communication skills Curiosity and continuous improvement mindsetBenefitsPremium Medical/Dental/Vision coverage Find Your Magic Days Volunteer Day Professional Development Days Birthday leave Egg Freezing Benefits Employee discounts on Kayali products Quarterly product gifting Kayali is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams and upholding an equal employment workplace that is free from discrimination. We hire stellar individuals regardless of their race, color, ancestry, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, medical conditions, disability, or veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodations at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know