Packaging Engineer

NATIONAL PEN / PLUMA NACIONAL; Tijuana; On-site; MXN 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

National Pen / Pluma Nacional in Mexico is seeking a Packaging Engineer to support the development, evaluation, and optimization of packaging for products and manufacturing operations.

The role collaborates with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and NPI to ensure packaging is cost-effective, protective, and aligned with shipping requirements. An early to mid-career profile is suitable for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Packaging, or related field).
• 1–4 years of packaging or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience in packaging development and optimization preferred.
• English proficiency for cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong data analysis and Excel skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Evaluate materials, dimensions, and configurations.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications and data.
• Support testing, validation, and trials.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Procurement.
• Prepare basic analyses to support packaging decisions.

Skills

Excel

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP

PIM

Product data systems

Job description

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, evaluation, and optimization of packaging solutions for products and manufacturing operations.

This role works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, NPI, Procurement, and Product teams to ensure packaging solutions are practical, cost-effective, protective, and aligned with operational and transportation requirements.

The Packaging Engineer will support packaging improvement initiatives, product launches, packaging data accuracy, testing and validation, and continuous improvement activities. This position is ideal for an engineer with early to mid-level experience who has a strong analytical mindset, hands-on problem-solving skills, and an interest in packaging, manufacturing, and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and improvement of packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Evaluate packaging materials, dimensions, configurations, and specifications.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, documentation, and related product data.
• Support packaging testing and validation activities.
• Assist with packaging requirements for new product introductions.
• Review existing packaging and identify opportunities to improve cost, material usage, product protection, and transportation efficiency.
• Support packaging trials and implementation of packaging changes in manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues and assist in identifying corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to obtain packaging samples, specifications, and material alternatives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, NPI, Logistics, Procurement, and Quality on packaging-related activities.
• Maintain accurate packaging dimensions, weights, quantities, and configurations in applicable systems.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-reduction activities related to packaging.
• Prepare basic analysis and reports to support packaging decisions.

Required Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Packaging, Chemical, or related field.
• Experience: Approximately 1 to 4 years of relevant experience in Packaging Engineering, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, NPI, testing and validation, supply chain, logistics, or a related technical environment.
• Previous exposure to packaging development, packaging materials, carton design, product packaging, or packaging optimization is strongly preferred.
• English proficiency sufficient to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of dimensions, weights, packaging configurations, materials, and shipping concepts.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Basic knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and organize work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with ERP, PIM, product data, or similar systems is preferred.

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Organization and Prioritization
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative
• Adaptability