Senior Packaging Development Engineer (all genders)

THE ROLE & THE TEAM As a Senior Packaging Development Engineer in our Packaging Team, you will drive the pivotal transition of our fulfillment network from traditional manual packing processes to a scalable, automated standard. Your core mission is to jointly design, test, and implement packaging solutions from luxury item packaging to packaging automation together with colleagues across logistics. You will ensure that both our manual and future packaging automation processes reconcile excellent operational throughput, optimal sustainability, and a delightful unboxing experience. You’ll act as a bridge between packaging suppliers, automation partners and our logistics and warehouse teams, you will help establish the technical blueprint for our future fulfillment standards. INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN If you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles! At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce – one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds. We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential. We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know – we are here to assist you. Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING) Act as the technical custodian for our existing outbound and intralogistics packaging—ensuring our paper shipping bags and corrugated boxes maintain exceptional performance, quality, and sustainability standards. Support projects in manual packaging and packaging automation, translating logistics strategy into scalable solutions. Evaluate material, process and machine compatibility and act as the key technical counterpart for system integration technicalities. Take ownership of engineering projects from initial scoping through to execution. You will design and run agile pilot programs to establish clear proof-of-concepts. You will ensure that our new projects are designed to easily accommodate upcoming AI applications and smart technologies. Use your expertise to evaluate how our current paper and corrugated materials behave under mechanical stress, ensuring seamless runnability both in manual pack and automated processes. Maintain strong technical relationships with both our current packaging suppliers, managing technical requirements and evaluating product, production and machinery capabilities. Partner closely with Logistics Operations, Warehouse Teams, and Procurement to ensure any new technology, processes packaging integrate seamlessly into our warehouse setups. Develop technical documentation, CAPEX calculations, and business cases that evaluate the trade-offs, efficiencies, and cost-benefits of shifting to new solutions. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF You bring a background in structural packaging development (specifically with fiber-based materials) alongside a deep interest or proven experience in packaging machinery and automation. You have a track record of leading technical projects from ideation through testing, piloting, and ultimate operational handover—ideally involving hardware, conveyor systems, or automated packaging components. You understand the physical interplay between materials and machinery. You understand how AI applications integrate into automated machinery and know how to future-proof technical concepts for advanced technologies. You apply structured analytical thinking to resolve complex trade-offs between mechanical machine constraints, material cost, sustainability targets, and transit durability. You hold a degree (B.Sc., M.Sc., or Dipl.-Ing.) in Packaging Technology/Engineering (Verpackungstechnik), Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a highly related technical discipline. You feature fluent English communication skills (German is a strong plus) with a demonstrated capability to align engineering suppliers, logistics operators, and senior leadership on technical project goals. OUR OFFER Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer. 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days) 2 paid volunteering days a year Employee shares programme 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement) Family services, including counselling and support Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub, formerly Gympass) Mental health support and coaching available Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review