PACKAGING ENGINEER

SMALLEY STEEL RING COMPANY•Lake Zurich, IL

1d•$95,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer designs, develops, validates, and standardizes packaging solutions that protect products, meet customer requirements, support sustainability objectives, and comply with applicable packaging regulations. The role works with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and customers to incorporate packaging requirements into product design and launch, while supporting efficient manufacturing, storage, and distribution. The position is primarily office-based, with regular time in manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, and packaging environments. It involves frequent computer use and document review, occasional standing and walking, and interaction with packaging materials and production equipment. The engineer must be able to inspect packaging designs, shipment configurations, and palletized loads, and occasionally lift or carry items weighing 10–30 lbs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 3 years of experience in packaging engineering, packaging design, manufacturing, or a related field.
Experience developing packaging specifications and validating packaging performance.
Knowledge of corrugated packaging, palletization, product protection, and transportation packaging systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn ERP and related business systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting packaging compliance with DOT, CPSC, and PPWR or similar sustainability-focused regulations.
Experience with customer packaging standards and packaging validation requirements.
Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and ISTA packaging testing methodologies.
Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or packaging optimization initiatives.
Knowledge of recyclable materials, sustainable packaging practices, and packaging waste reduction programs.

Responsibilities

Design and maintain packaging specifications, standards, and documentation for products and shipments.
Ensure packaging solutions comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including DOT, CPSC, and PPWR, as well as customer-specific requirements.
Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development teams to incorporate packaging requirements into new product design and launch.
Review customer packaging specifications and translate them into internal packaging standards and operational processes.
Develop and standardize packaging configurations, including each, inner pack, master pack, and pallet quantities, to support future sales and distribution needs.
Evaluate packaging materials, carton designs, dunnage, palletization methods, and shipment configurations for product protection and transportation efficiency.
Lead packaging redesign initiatives to improve standardization, sustainability, quality, and cost effectiveness.
Coordinate packaging testing, validation, and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with customer and internal requirements.
Investigate packaging failures, shipping damage, and customer complaints, and implement corrective actions and design improvements.
Analyze packaging performance, material utilization, transportation efficiency, and costs to identify improvement opportunities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging optimization, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
Maintain awareness of packaging regulations, sustainability trends, and industry best practices.