Packaging Design Engineer

Korpack; Bloomingdale (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Korpack is seeking a Packaging Design Engineer to design custom corrugated and protective packaging, prototypes, and specs for customer projects. You will support the Sales Team with redesigns, sustainability initiatives, and cost-reduction programs, guiding items from concept through Acumatica setup and first production run.

The role requires a packaging or mechanical engineering background, 2+ years of relevant experience, and proficiency in ArtiosCAD and Adobe Illustrator, with strong cost

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design.
• 2+ years of packaging design experience in corrugated, protective, or industrial packaging.
• Working proficiency in ArtiosCAD and Adobe Illustrator.
• Advanced Excel skills for cost and yield analysis.
• Ability to read and write English, follow verbal instructions, and use math to solve problems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer sites.

Responsibilities

• Design custom corrugated, foam, and protective packaging in ArtiosCAD and Illustrator; create 3D renderings and dielines.
• Build and test prototypes; coordinate testing and document results.
• Create new items in Acumatica with specifications and vendor details; maintain accuracy.
• Develop cost estimates and material yields; coordinate with Purchasing and Sales.
• Lead packaging redesign, right-sizing, and sustainability projects; quantify savings.
• Join Sales on site visits; assess pack-out and recommend packaging improvements.
• Act as liaison between Sales, Purchasing, Warehouse, and vendors on new products and quality issues.
• Review vendor samples and first articles against approved specs before release.
• Maintain design library, drawings, and revision history for traceability.
• Communicate with customers and vendors professionally; respond to design inquiries.
• Assist with other special projects as requested.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Creative problem-solver

Strong communication

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Packaging Engineering degree

Packaging Science degree

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

ArtiosCAD

Adobe Illustrator

Excel

Acumatica

Job description

Our Mission and Purpose

Our mission is clear: to be North America’s premier packaging solutions provider, simplifying client operations with innovative, technology-driven solutions. We are fueled by the values instilled by Nick Novy, aiming to not just meet but exceed industry benchmarks. Our purpose is to empower our customers with smarter business decisions through our expertise.

Korpack’s Promise: FAST and Beyond

Korpack stands for more than just speed. Our F.A.S.T methodology – Fearless, Adaptable, Simplistic, and Technology-driven – is a testament to our approach toward complex challenges. We’re not afraid to dive deep and tackle the toughest packaging puzzles with agility and clarity, all while harnessing the power of technology.

Culture: The Korpack Difference

In the heart of Korpack, there’s a culture that thrives on agility, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. We’re not your typical packaging company. Our start-up spirit combined with our industry experience makes us uniquely dynamic. We embrace challenges, turning them into opportunities to innovate and grow. Our team, akin to a close-knit family, is dedicated to achieving success for our clients. We believe in building relationships based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

The Packaging Design Engineer designs, prototypes, and specifies custom packaging solutions for Korpack customers, including corrugated, protective, and retail-ready structures, and supports the Sales Team on packaging redesign, sustainability, and cost-reduction projects. The role owns the technical side of every custom item from concept through Acumatica setup and first production run. The goal is packaging that protects the product, runs on the customer’s line, meets sustainability targets, and improves Korpack's margin and win rate on custom business.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Design custom corrugated, foam, and protective packaging in ArtiosCAD (structural) and Adobe Illustrator (graphics/dielines); produce 3D renderings, dielines, and specification sheets for customer approval.
• Build and test physical prototypes on the sample table or cutter; run or coordinate ISTA/ASTM transit testing (drop, vibration, compression) and document results.
• Create all new custom items in Acumatica with complete specifications, board grade, dimensions, print, and vendor details; maintain item accuracy over the item’s life.
• Develop cost estimates and material yields for custom designs; work with Purchasing on vendor quotes and with Sales on pricing and margin.
• Lead packaging redesign, right-sizing, material reduction, and sustainability projects; quantify savings in material, freight, labor, and damage for the customer and Korpack.
• Join Sales on customer site visits and line audits; assess pack-out, equipment, and handling to recommend packaging and automation improvements.
• Act as technical liaison between Sales/Customer Service, Purchasing, Warehouse, and vendors on new products, first articles, and design-related quality issues.
• Review vendor samples and first-article production against the approved spec before release to the customer.
• Maintain the design library, drawings, and revision history so every custom item is traceable to its current approved version.
• Communicate with customers, vendors, and co-workers in a courteous, professional manner and respond promptly to design and specification inquiries.
• Assist with other special projects as requested.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of corrugated, protective, and flexible packaging materials, board grades, and converting processes
• Proficient in ArtiosCAD and Adobe Illustrator; comfortable with 3D rendering tools
• Ability to analyze data (cost, yield, damage rates) and make clear recommendations
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, including presenting designs to customers
• Thoroughness and attention to detail on specs and drawings
• Highly organized and process oriented; excels in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Creative problem-solver with a customer-first mindset
• Ethical conduct, teamwork, and collaboration
• Flexibility and willingness to learn; technologically savvy

Supervisory Responsibility

None. The Packaging Design Engineer reports to the President and works closely with the Sales Team, Purchasing, and Warehouse.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office and design lab environment, with regular time in the warehouse and at customer manufacturing and distribution facilities. The role routinely uses a CAD workstation, sample cutter/table, testing equipment, and standard office equipment.

Physical Demands

Mostly sedentary design work, with the ability to build and handle prototypes, lift up to 40 lbs of samples and materials, and stand or walk on production floors during customer visits.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional early, late, or weekend hours may be needed to meet customer deadlines. Travel to customer sites is expected up to 25%.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Design
• 2+ years of packaging design experience in corrugated, protective, or industrial packaging
• Working proficiency in ArtiosCAD and Adobe Illustrator
• Advanced Excel skills for cost and yield analysis
• Ability to read and write English, follow verbal instructions, and use math to solve problems
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer sites

Preferred Education And Experience

• 4+ years in a packaging distributor, corrugated converter, or contract packager
• Experience with ISTA/ASTM transit testing and lab equipment
• Familiarity with Acumatica or another ERP for item setup
• Experience with sustainability metrics, right-sizing, and material reduction programs
• Knowledge of packaging automation and line integration
• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP)

Our Commitment to You

At Korpack, customer delight is not just a goal; it’s our way of doing business. We are committed to delivering quality services consistently, on time, and maintaining enduring relationships. Our endeavor is to continually enhance our performance and adhere to the highest statutory and regulatory standards.