Packaging Engineer

About the role

Designs and engineers structural packaging solutions using corrugate and folding carton substrates, translating customer requirements and product specifications into buildable, cost-effective packaging designs. Develops dielines, structural drawings, and prototypes while partnering with sales, estimating, prepress, and production teams to ensure designs meet performance and production requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs and engineers corrugated and carton packaging structures using structural CAD software (e.g., ArtiosCAD), partnering with sales and estimating teams to translate customer requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet performance specifications.
• Creates dielines, structural drawings, and physical prototypes for corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point-of-purchase displays, and specialty packaging.
• Develops, assembles, and tests physical samples to validate structural integrity, print registration, and functionality prior to production release.
• Works closely with prepress, die-making, and production teams to ensure designs translate accurately through printing, die-cutting, and finishing.
• Conducts package testing (compression, drop, vibration) to confirm designs meet industry standards (ISTA, ASTM) and customer requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to optimize material usage, reduce cost, and improve the sustainability of packaging designs.
• Maintains a library of standard dielines, specifications, and structural templates for reuse across projects.
• Troubleshoots structural or production issues on existing packaging designs and recommends corrective actions.
• Collaborates with die suppliers and vendors on tooling specifications and lead times.
• Stays current on packaging trends, materials, and manufacturing capabilities across corrugate and carton substrates.
• Reads and interprets customer specifications, artwork, and technical drawings to ensure designs meet all requirements before release to production.
• Trains junior packaging designers, drafters, or interns on structural design standards and processes.
• Coordinates design workflow and priorities with the sample room and structural design team.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Requirements

• College degree or equivalent job experience
• 3+ years of packaging engineering or structural design experience, preferably with corrugated and/or folding carton packaging.
• Proficiency with structural packaging design software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, Kasemake, or similar CAD applications).
• Knowledge of corrugated and carton board materials, construction styles, and manufacturing processes, including die-cutting, printing, and finishing.
• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications, artwork, and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with packaging testing standards (ISTA, ASTM) and quality requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance structural performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
• Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination.
• Must be able to access the sample room and production floor to build and test prototypes.

Work Environment

This position primarily requires work in an office/design environment. The work environment has a low noise level with ambient temperatures controlled by heating and air conditioning. May occasionally be exposed to hazardous materials or near moving mechanical parts while on the production floor.

Pay

$120,000 - $150,000 per year