Packaging Engineer

1-800-Flowers.com INC / Jan 2024 - Present

• Led end‑to‑end packaging architecture for ambient and temperature‑sensitive products, strengthening structural integrity and supply chain performance by developing and industrializing ArtiosCAD‑based solutions from prototype through mass production.

• Enhanced business alignment on packaging decisions by leading strategy sessions with Merchandising, Creative Design, and Purchasing, and Operations resulting in designs that balanced brand impact, protection, and operational efficiency.

• Directed enterprise‑wide cost‑reduction and continuous improvement initiatives, achieving significant savings in material, freight, and labor through optimization of food‑contact‑compliant specifications for both cold‑chain and dry‑chain packaging.

• Built and tested packaging models and prototypes for cold‑chain and ambient programs, improving packaging sustainability and SKU efficiency by evaluating functionality, validating performance in lab and line trials, and refining board grades and structures across categories.

• Partnered with internal manufacturing teams and external converters/vendors to optimize packaging designs for function, manufacturability, and freight efficiency, driving enterprise‑wide cost reduction through optimized, food‑contact‑compliant specifications for cold‑chain and dry‑chain packaging.

• Strengthened data‑driven decision‑making in packaging by using lab and line test results to refine designs and validation protocols, reducing damage, non‑conformances, and rework.

Structural Packaging Design Intern

Unicorr Packaging Group / Jun 2022 - Jun 2023

• Led end‑to‑end packaging architecture for corrugated solutions, improving manufacturability, product protection, and on‑shelf impact by designing 2D and 3D structures in ArtiosCAD from prototype through mass production.

• Engineered sustainable, cost‑effective packaging structures that consistently met or exceeded lifecycle performance requirements by performing materials analysis, stress reviews, and failure‑mode diagnostics to guide structural decisions.

• Collaborated with cross‑functional partners including Operations, Creative, and Engineering teams to refine packaging concepts, ensuring alignment on functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and performance targets across high‑volume programs.

• Built and tested physical and digital prototypes for corrugated packaging and displays, validating functionality and packaging performance through lab testing, line trials, and data‑driven design iterations that reduced damage and improved packing efficiency.

Lab Technician

Rochester Institute of Technology / Sept 2021 - May 2022

• Performed comprehensive packaging performance testing in a Packaging Dynamics Lab, using compression, drop, vibration, and impact tests on packaging materials to accurately ensure packaging durability and product reliability.

• Executed ISTA and ASTM test protocols and prepared detailed test reports documenting procedures, data, and results to support packaging validation, data-driven design improvements, and customer or regulatory requirements.

Product and Package Development Intern

Hotcha! / Mar 2021 - May 2021

• Conducted feasibility studies and design prototypes to evaluate the effectiveness of packaging concepts, ensuring they meet design, cost, and performance objectives.

• Worked closely with suppliers to source packaging materials, negotiate pricing, and establish strong vendor relationships, ensuring a reliable supply chain for packaging components.

Sales and Marketing Intern

SMI Coated Products PVT LTD / Jan 2019 - July 2019

• Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, competitor offerings, and customer preferences in the packaging and label industry.

• Analyzed market market data to provide insights for product development and marketing strategies.

• Assisted in preparing sales collateral, presentations, and proposals for potential clients.