Packaging Engineer

Swoon; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Packaging Engineer 1 to join their team in Champaign, IL. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to support packaging functions across multiple facilities, ensuring compliance and process improvements. You'll work closely with experienced engineers, gaining valuable insights into the packaging industry while focusing on validation and verification activities. With a structured work environment and a commitment to professional growth, this role is perfect for recent graduates eager to kickstart their careers in engineering. Enjoy a competitive hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package while contributing to a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role supporting packaging functions across various facilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support multiple packaging engineers and confirm packaging specifications.
• Validate packaging documentation and provide on-site support.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Communication Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Attention to Detail

Collaboration Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Creo

CAD

Pack-Assist

Teamcenter

Job description

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This range is provided by Swoon. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$25.00/hr - $30.00/hr

Location: Champaign, IL (Onsite, 5 days/week)

Duration: 12 months to start with likely extensions (& potential to convert to Direct Hire down the line)

Pay Rate: $26-29/hour W2 + Benefits or $32 (C2C)

Job Description:

The Product Support and Logistics Division is seeking a Packaging Engineer 1 to join the Champaign, IL facility. This entry-level role will support packaging functions across various facilities, ensuring proper packaging specifications, documentation, and process improvements for small parts distribution globally. The position will primarily focus on validation and verification activities, not packaging design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support multiple packaging engineers across regions and facilities
• Confirm packaging specifications (e.g., rust preventative use, correct box selection)
• Validate packaging documentation and recommend adjustments based on operational/logistics impact
• Input packaging work orders and maintain records in enterprise systems
• Monitor packaging applications and submission requests
• Provide on-site support to operational teams for packaging-related issues

Typical Day:

• Repetitive, structured tasks confirming packaging compliance and addressing line-side packaging issues
• 65% office-based, 35% warehouse floor (PPE required: metatarsals, safety glasses)
• Interaction with packaging engineers, category buyers, suppliers, logistics analysts, and operations teams
• Use of Pack-Assist for 3D container visualization; potential exposure to packaging equipment (no operation or physical labor required)

Qualifications (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (open to Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Packaging, Aerospace, Electrical)
• 0–2 years of experience (entry-level; recent grads welcome)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong communication and decision-making skills
• Self-motivated with attention to detail

Qualifications (Desired):

• Exposure to Creo or CAD (navigation only; no design work required)
• Familiarity with Pack-Assist or Teamcenter systems
• Experience in a manufacturing or supply chain environment

Soft Skills Required:

• Ability to collaborate across teams (suppliers, logistics, operations, engineering)
• Organizational skills and self-initiative

Interview Process:

• One round, virtual interview with 2 Caterpillar managers
• Interviewing top 3–4 candidates; offer targeted within 2 weeks of interview
• Caterpillar provides all necessary equipment/assets
• Onsite work required (no remote possibility)

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering, Analyst, and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Machinery Manufacturing

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

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