Category Specialist

Your JobWe are seeking a Category Specialist with strong technical expertise in packaging design and improvement, particularly with materials like corrugated cardboard and plastics.

You will play a key role in driving packaging optimization projects, testing materials, and collaborating across functions to deliver cost savings and high-quality solutions.

The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable to change, and skilled at working collaboratively to meet business goals.Our TeamYou will join a dynamic team focused on engineered packaging solutions that interface closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, New Product Introduction, and Operations.

Our team drives continuous improvement by optimizing packaging materials, supporting supplier relationships, and fostering innovation across the supply chain.What You Will DoLead and support packaging design projects, applying technical, functional, and aesthetic considerations.Conduct material tests and resistance analyses to ensure packaging meets quality and durability standards.Collaborate cross-functionally to identify and implement packaging improvements and cost-saving initiatives.Manage packaging process improvements, including fixture development and automation opportunities.Travel approximately 20% annually to supplier sites and other facilities for audits, collaboration, and supplier development.Apply problem-solving methodologies to quickly resolve packaging-related challenges.Communicate effectively with internal teams and external vendors to maintain service focus and drive results.Adapt quickly to evolving procedures, tools, and business environments, demonstrating initiative and flexibility.Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)Proven experience in packaging design, material testing, and analysis of packaging performance (carton, plastics, PET, HIPS, ABS trays).

Bachelor's degree in related field.Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software for packaging design.Advanced English communication skills (spoken and written).

Valid US visa allowing domestic and international travel.Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, solve problems, and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.What Will Put You AheadBackground in packaging process and fixture development, including experience with ESD packaging.Strong skills in Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project).

Experience with vendor management, supplier audits, and packaging cost quoting.Knowledge of industrial design techniques, datum structures, and tolerance stack-up analysis.Previous experience working in companies specializing in packaging or related industries.At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs.

This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions.

Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data.

The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.Who We AreAs a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications.

The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader.

Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better.

Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs.

We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.