Junior Packaging Engineer in Folkestone)

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Junior Packaging Engineer for its client's R&D team in Folkestone. This temporary role offers the opportunity to develop technical skills in packaging design, testing, and implementation. You will oversee projects aimed at enhancing packaging value and sustainability while collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers. This position is ideal for early-career engineers with a passion for manufacturing processes and problem-solving. A varied work environment awaits, including office, lab, and factory settings.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in manufacturing and sustainability.
• Practical, hands-on problem-solving approach.
• Ability to manage technical documentation effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support value engineering projects.
• Assist with packaging development for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams on packaging specifications.
• Liaise with suppliers for information and samples.
• Participate in root cause investigations for packaging issues.
• Lead laboratory testing and factory trials.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation.

Skills

Strong interest in packaging development

Good problem-solving skills

Confident communicator

Detail-oriented

Education

Graduate or early-career engineer

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. New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.