Packaging Design & Applications Engineer

Risus Talent Partners; North Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Risus Talent Partners is seeking a Structural Packaging Designer/Engineer to join a growing engineering team focused on protective packaging solutions. The role emphasizes hands-on CAD work, 3D modeling, and end-to-end project support from concept through production.

Ideal candidates have a technical education and a willingness to learn, with mentorship and on-the-floor exposure to engineering and manufacturing processes. Entry-level candidates are welcomed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred
• Recent graduates and early-career candidates are encouraged to apply
• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant experience is helpful, but equivalent education, internships, projects, or relevant design experience will be considered
• Foundational experience with SolidWorks, CAD, or 3D modeling
• Structural packaging experience is a plus, but not required
• Experience with AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD, or similar design software is a plus
• Manufacturing, fabrication, woodworking, foam, corrugated packaging, or related experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Design custom protective packaging solutions using SolidWorks and CAD
• Develop structural designs for crates, boxes, foam, inserts, blocking/bracing systems, and other engineered packaging solutions
• Create and maintain accurate drawings, specifications, cut lists, bills of materials, and production documentation
• Work closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet quality requirements
• Spend regular time on the manufacturing floor to understand how packaging designs are fabricated and assembled
• Shadow experienced engineers and learn structural packaging design principles and best practices
• Support prototyping, testing, and design validation
• Assist with material selection based on product requirements, dimensions, protection needs, cost, and manufacturability
• Assist with estimating and quoting, including material takeoffs and production requirements
• Utilize ERP/job management systems to maintain project and production information
• Troubleshoot design or manufacturing challenges and make adjustments as needed
• Collaborate with internal teams and, when applicable, customers to understand requirements and develop effective solutions

Skills

SolidWorks

CAD

3D modeling

Packaging design

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ArtiosCAD

Job description

Work Arrangement:

100% On-Site

Schedule:

Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM–4:00 PM

About the Role

We are seeking a Structural Packaging Designer / Engineer to join a growing engineering team supporting the design and development of custom protective packaging solutions.

This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys CAD, design, problem-solving, and seeing their work come to life in a manufacturing environment. The role will focus primarily on structural packaging design, 3D CAD modeling, and supporting projects from concept through production.

While prior packaging experience is helpful, it is not required. We are open to entry-level and early-career candidates with a technical education, CAD foundation, strong attention to detail, and a genuine willingness to learn. The engineering team offers significant training and mentorship, including hands-on exposure to both engineering and manufacturing.

What You'll Do

• Design custom protective packaging solutions using SolidWorks and CAD
• Develop structural designs for crates, boxes, foam, inserts, blocking/bracing systems, and other engineered packaging solutions
• Create and maintain accurate drawings, specifications, cut lists, bills of materials, and production documentation
• Work closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet quality requirements
• Spend regular time on the manufacturing floor to understand how packaging designs are fabricated and assembled
• Shadow experienced engineers and learn structural packaging design principles and best practices
• Support prototyping, testing, and design validation
• Assist with material selection based on product requirements, dimensions, protection needs, cost, and manufacturability
• Assist with estimating and quoting, including material takeoffs and production requirements
• Utilize ERP/job management systems to maintain project and production information
• Troubleshoot design or manufacturing challenges and make adjustments as needed
• Collaborate with internal teams and, when applicable, customers to understand requirements and develop effective solutions

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is driven, dependable, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• A self-starting, proactive approach to work
• Ability to work independently without constant supervision
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Reliability and consistent attendance
• Willingness to learn new software, processes, and technical concepts
• Comfort working in both an office and active manufacturing environment
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• A genuine interest in design, engineering, and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred
• Recent graduates and early-career candidates are encouraged to apply
• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant experience is helpful, but equivalent education, internships, projects, or relevant design experience will be considered
• Foundational experience with SolidWorks, CAD, or 3D modeling
• Structural packaging experience is a plus, but not required
• Experience with AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD, or similar design software is a plus
• Manufacturing, fabrication, woodworking, foam, corrugated packaging, or related experience is a plus

Training & Development

You don't need to know everything on day one.

The successful candidate will receive hands-on training and mentorship, including:

• SolidWorks and CAD training
• Structural packaging design concepts and applications
• Shadowing experienced engineers
• Exposure to packaging materials and manufacturing processes
• Regular time on the manufacturing floor
• Opportunities to see how designs move from concept to prototype to finished product