Senior Packaging Development Engineer (all genders)

Role: As a Senior Packaging Development Engineer in the Packaging Team, you will drive the transition of our fulfillment network from manual packing to scalable automated standards, designing, testing, and implementing packaging solutions and ensuring operational throughput, sustainability, and a delightful unboxing experience. You will act as a bridge between packaging suppliers, automation partners, logistics and warehouse teams. Responsibilities: - Act as technical custodian for existing outbound and intralogistics packaging, maintaining performance, quality, and sustainability of paper bags and corrugated boxes. - Support manual packaging and packaging automation projects, translating logistics strategy into scalable solutions and evaluating material, process, and machine compatibility. - Own engineering projects from scoping to execution, designing and running agile pilot programs and ensuring designs accommodate future AI and smart technologies. - Evaluate mechanical behavior of paper and corrugated materials under stress to ensure seamless runnability in both manual and automated processes. - Maintain strong technical relationships with packaging suppliers, managing requirements and assessing product, production, and machinery capabilities. - Partner with Logistics Operations, Warehouse Teams, and Procurement to integrate new technologies and processes into warehouse setups. - Develop technical documentation, CAPEX calculations, and business cases assessing trade‑offs, efficiencies, and cost‑benefits of new solutions. Qualifications: - Background in structural packaging development (fiber‑based materials) with interest or experience in packaging machinery and automation. - Proven track record leading technical projects from ideation through testing, piloting, and operational handover, preferably involving hardware, conveyor systems, or automated packaging components. - Understanding of the interplay between materials and machinery and how AI applications integrate into automated equipment. - Structured analytical thinking to resolve complex trade‑offs between mechanical constraints, material cost, sustainability targets, and transit durability. - Degree (B.Sc., M.Sc., or Dipl.-Ing.) in Packaging Technology/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. - Fluent English communication skills; German is a strong plus; ability to align engineering suppliers, logistics operators, and senior leadership on project goals. What We Offer: - 27 days of holiday (increasing up to 30 days), 2 paid volunteering days, employee share programme. - 40% discount on fashion and beauty products, 30% discount on Lounge by Zalando, and external partner discounts. - Relocation assistance (subject to agreement), family services, health and wellbeing options, mental health support and coaching. - Opportunities for development through training platforms and biannual peer‑to‑peer reviews.