Packaging Structural Engineer

About the role

The Packaging Structural Engineer develops innovative corrugated packaging solutions that meet customer requirements while supporting efficient manufacturing processes within a corrugated converting environment. This position creates structural designs, technical drawings, and production specifications, develops prototypes, and collaborates closely with Sales, Operations, and customers to deliver cost-effective, manufacturable packaging solutions. The role also supports continuous improvement through design optimization, material utilization, and product performance enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Sales, Operations, Procurement, and Manufacturing leadership to evaluate customer opportunities and determine the most effective structural packaging strategy balancing cost, manufacturability, capacity, quality, and business objectives.
• Evaluate complex design requests and independently determine appropriate structural concepts, material selections, and manufacturing approaches where established guidelines do not fully address customer or operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain design standards, structural design guidelines, and technical documentation that promote consistency, quality, and operational efficiency across the business.
• Review proposed packaging solutions for operational, financial, and customer impact, recommending design modifications that improve profitability, material utilization, production efficiency, and long-term business performance.
• Serve as a technical advisor to internal stakeholders on structural packaging capabilities, manufacturing limitations, and design feasibility to support business decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional reviews of new packaging concepts, facilitating consensus among Sales, Operations, Quality, and customers to resolve competing priorities and achieve business objectives.
• Assess production trends, customer feedback, and manufacturing performance data to identify opportunities for process standardization, waste reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish technical specifications, documentation standards, and design controls that support quality systems, regulatory requirements, and efficient production execution.
• Coordinate with external tooling suppliers and other business partners to evaluate technical solutions, manage design changes, and support successful implementation of new products.
• Represent the organization during customer technical meetings, providing consultative recommendations and independently resolving complex structural packaging issues that impact customer satisfaction and operational performance.
• Responsible for the maintenance, creation, and control of all personally identifiable information or any other information protected by confidentiality or privacy standards or company policies.
• Special projects and assignments as business dictates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Engineering, or related field required.
• 4–6 years of structural design experience in the corrugated packaging industry required.
• Proficiency with ArtiosCAD, CAD software, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, and CAD cutting tables.
• Knowledge of corrugated converting equipment, manufacturing processes, and package specifications.
• Understanding of paperboard grades, corrugation, printing processes, labels, POP displays, and related packaging materials.
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and focused concentration.
• Ability to learn new tasks and complete tasks independently.
• Ability to make timely decisions in the context of the workflow.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and responsiveness.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use hands to operate computer and sample-making equipment.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to review technical drawings.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, design lab, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Regular exposure to production equipment, varying temperatures, and paper dust when in manufacturing areas.
• Hearing protection required in designated production areas.
• Travel less than 10%, including occasional travel to Mexico as business needs require.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• ArtiosCAD certification or equivalent preferred.
• Valid passport or ability to obtain one preferred for occasional international travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.