Senior Packaging Engineer

Klein Tools • Lincolnshire, IL

2d

About The Position

The Senior Packaging Engineer executes corporate packaging initiatives, including cost reduction, operational enhancements, process improvements, and seasonal promotional packaging. The role oversees packaging commercialization for new product development and sustainability initiatives within assigned product categories, resolves packaging-related supplier issues, and conducts engineering analyses to define design requirements, assess material suitability, and evaluate process feasibility.

The engineer leads projects from initiation through completion; designs, prototypes, and validates retail packaging; collaborates with cross-functional teams and domestic and international suppliers; and identifies improvements to packaging performance, sustainability, customer experience, cost, and efficiency. The position also prepares technical documentation and reports, presents project findings to leadership, troubleshoots packaging issues, and mentors junior packaging engineers. International travel is required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering.
• Five years of related experience.
• Solid knowledge of engineering fundamentals and principles, with a good general understanding of material properties.
• Strong technical, analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to facilitate projects and solutions.
• Oral and written communication skills in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize projects and departmental goals to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities under tight time constraints.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with palletization optimization software such as TOPS or CAPE.
• Experience with CAD software such as ArtiosCAD or SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver detailed presentations on packaging projects to cross-functional leadership, ensuring technical and project data are accurate.
• Lead assigned packaging projects from initiation through completion, conduct post-project evaluations, and present performance against original objectives.
• Design, prototype, and validate retail packaging components for new product development, including clamshells, trapped blisters, folding cartons, injection-molded hang tags, printed polybags, and header cards.
• Collaborate with engineering, product management, operations, and procurement to optimize packaging solutions aligned with product and operational goals.
• Coordinate packaging design with marketing and branding requirements to support promotional and point-of-purchase displays.
• Work with domestic and international suppliers to develop and maintain packaging specifications consistent with supplier capabilities and product requirements.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking to identify packaging trends and opportunities to improve performance, sustainability, and customer experience.
• Identify and implement packaging cost savings in materials, processes, transportation, and storage without compromising quality or brand standards.
• Recommend workflow improvements to enhance packaging efficiency and scalability.
• Lead resolution of packaging issues involving design, testing, or quality, including hands-on support and troubleshooting.
• Prepare technical documentation, including packaging drawings, material specifications, handling and shipping instructions, and inspection criteria.
• Draft and present technical reports summarizing analysis and findings to internal stakeholders.
• Mentor and support junior packaging engineers through project work and technical guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope and level of the role.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits that support the employee and their family as part of the total rewards package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior