Application Engineer - Plastics - Packaging Solutions

Michael Page; Carolina (PR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MPI's client, a growing manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, is seeking an Application Engineer to deliver technical assessments, optimize processes, and demonstrate packaging equipment value to customers.

The role emphasizes hands-on field work, collaboration with engineering and commercial teams, and extensive travel across the United States to support customer sites and projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or technical qualification in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with industrial machinery, packaging equipment, or process optimization.
• Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of CRM systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct customer site visits and assess opportunities for process improvements and product optimization.
• Provide guidance on packaging systems and equipment performance to maximize efficiency.
• Develop and nurture relationships with customers through technical consultation and problem-solving.
• Deliver product demonstrations and present value of packaging solutions to stakeholders.
• Travel extensively across the United States to support customer sites and projects.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality, and commercial teams to address customer requirements.

Skills

Customer-facing communication

Troubleshooting

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Join a growing manufacturer at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions
• Role combines engineering expertise, problem-solving, and customer solutions

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established global manufacturer specializing in innovative and sustainable industrial packaging solutions. They work closely with customers across a variety of industries to improve packaging performance, reduce material consumption, and increase operational efficiency through advanced products and technical expertise.
The organization is known for its customer-centric approach, commitment to innovation, and focus on sustainability. Employees have the opportunity to collaborate with international teams, technical experts, and commercial professionals while supporting customers with solutions that deliver measurable business improvements.
With continued investment in product development, quality, and customer support, the company offers a dynamic environment where engineers can make a direct impact on customer success and business growth.

Job Description

• Conduct customer site visits and technical assessments to identify opportunities for process improvements and product optimization.
• Provide expert guidance on packaging systems and equipment performance to maximize efficiency and product effectiveness.
• Support and develop relationships with both existing and prospective customers through technical consultation and problem-solving.
• Deliver product demonstrations and present the value of packaging solutions to operational and technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with commercial teams to support business growth and ensure exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate with research, development, and quality teams to address customer requirements and continuously improve product performance.
• Partner with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to ensure successful integration of packaging solutions.
• Deliver training programs for customer operators and technical teams to improve knowledge and operational performance.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact between customers and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed customer records and activity updates through CRM systems.
• Travel extensively throughout the United States to support customer sites and projects.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Application Engineer should have:

• Bachelor's degree or technical qualification in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working with industrial machinery, packaging equipment, or process optimization.
• Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into practical business solutions.
• Knowledge of CRM systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Results-driven mindset with a proactive and consultative approach.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple customer projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working independently in a field-based environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing international leader within the sustainable packaging sector.
• Exposure to a diverse customer base across multiple industries.
• High-impact role with significant autonomy and customer interaction.
• Extensive opportunities to develop technical, commercial, and project management skills.
• Collaboration with global engineering, quality, and R&D teams.
• Dynamic field-based environment offering variety and travel.
• Ability to contribute directly to sustainability initiatives and operational improvements for customers.
• Long-term career development opportunities within an innovative and expanding organization.