Junior Packaging Engineer

New Appointments Group Ltd; Folkestone; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for a Junior Packaging Engineer to enhance their clients’ R&D team in Folkestone. This is a full-time, temporary position ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer enthusiastic about packaging and sustainability. Responsibilities include supporting packaging development and improvement projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leading trials. The candidate should possess strong problem-solving skills and be detail-oriented. Working hours are 39 hours per week, with a flexible on-site requirement.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in packaging development, sustainability, and manufacturing.
• Good problem‑solving skills with a practical, hands‑on approach.
• Confident communicator, comfortable working with internal teams and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead value engineering projects to improve packaging cost and performance.
• Assist with packaging development for new product launches and existing products.
• Liaise with packaging suppliers to discuss technical solutions.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong interest in sustainability

Confident communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Relevant degree in engineering

Job description

Junior Packaging Engineer

Location: Folkestone
Job Type: Full-time Temporary

We are looking for a Junior Packaging Engineer to join our clients Research & Development (R&D) team. This is an exciting opportunity for a graduate or early-career engineer to develop their technical skills and gain hands‑on experience in packaging design, testing, and factory implementation.

Working closely with the Head of Technology and Technical Service Manager, you will support the development, optimisation, and continuous improvement of packaging for both new and existing products, with a strong focus on value engineering, performance, and sustainability.

This role offers a varied mix of office‑based work, laboratory testing, and factory trials, along with regular interaction with cross‑functional teams and external packaging suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and, where appropriate, lead value engineering (G2G) projects to improve packaging cost, performance, and sustainability.
• Assist with packaging development and optimisation for new product launches and existing products.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, procurement, quality, and sustainability teams to agree packaging specifications.
• Liaise with packaging suppliers to request information, source samples, and discuss technical solutions.
• Participate in investigations to identify root causes of packaging issues and support continuous improvement.
• Support and lead laboratory testing and factory line trials as required.
• Create, manage, and maintain accurate technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and trial records.

Day‑to‑Day Activities

• Identifying opportunities to improve packaging value by reducing cost, weight, or environmental impact.
• Supporting packaging selection and design during product development projects.
• Helping to resolve packaging‑related issues on existing products.
• Communicating regularly with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Assisting with or running packaging tests and trials to ensure performance and line compatibility.
• Documenting results and ensuring learnings are captured and shared.

About You

• Strong interest in packaging development, sustainability, and manufacturing.
• Good problem‑solving skills with a practical, hands‑on approach.
• Confident communicator, comfortable working with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Organised, detail‑oriented, and able to manage technical documentation effectively.
• Previous experience in packaging, manufacturing, or FMCG (placement or internship) is desirable but not essential.

You will be working 39 hours a week Monday to Friday with a minimum of 3 days per week being on site. This is initially a Temporary role with an immediate start.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.