PACKAGING ENGINEER

Smalley-Steel-Rin; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Smalley is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, validate, and standardize packaging solutions that protect products and meet customer requirements. This role partners with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and customers to ensure packaging requirements are incorporated into product design and launch while supporting efficient manufacturing, storage, and distribution operations.

Responsibilities include designing packaging standards, ensuring regulatory compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of packaging engineering experience.
• Experience developing packaging specifications and validating packaging performance.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain packaging specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Ensure packaging solutions comply with regulatory requirements (DOT, CPSC, PPWR) and customer specs.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development during design and launch.
• Develop packaging configurations for inner, master, and pallet quantities.
• Lead packaging redesigns to improve sustainability, quality, and cost.
• Coordinate packaging testing, validation, and performance evaluations.
• Investigate packaging failures and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze packaging performance, material utilization, transportation efficiency, and costs.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Project management

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

About usSmalley is the global manufacturing leader of precision metal formed products – known for our Spirolox retaining rings and Crest-to- Crest wave springs. Our success is propelled by our inventive spirit, devoted team members, extensive engineering proficiency, and technical ability, cultivated by over 100 years of manufacturing excellence. We supply to industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, robotics and industrial machinery – supporting over 70% of the Fortune 500 global manufacturers. We are proud of our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products, relentless pursuit of improvement, and unwavering dedication to providing excellent service to our valued customers.Why Smalley?At Smalley, we take pride in cultivating an inclusive work environment that values creativity, collaboration and diversity. We believe in our associates' unique perspectives that they bring to every challenge, which is why we will empower you to push the boundaries of what is possible. We are committed to nurturing an enjoyable work atmosphere demonstrated through activities such as Spirit Days, Cancer Awareness events, Health and Wellness activities, and fun sports opportunities to play in basketball, bags, and ping pong tournaments!We OfferCompetitive compensation and benefits package as well as: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO, and more!Opportunities for career advancement and professional growthOngoing learning and training and development opportunitiesCompany and department led team-building activities and eventsJob SummaryThe Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, validating, and standardizing packaging solutions that protect products, meet customer requirements, support sustainability objectives, and comply with applicable packaging regulations. This role partners with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and customers to ensure packaging requirements are incorporated during product design and launch while supporting efficient manufacturing, storage, and distribution operations.Responsibilities:Design and maintain packaging specifications, standards, and documentation for products and shipments.Ensure packaging solutions comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including DOT, CPSC, and PPWR and other customer-specific packaging requirements.Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development teams to incorporate packaging requirements during the design and launch of new products.Review customer packaging specifications and translate requirements into internal packaging standards and operational processes.Develop and standardize packaging configurations including each, inner pack, master pack, and pallet quantities to support future sales and distribution needs.Evaluate packaging materials, carton designs, dunnage, palletization methods, and shipment configurations to ensure product protection and transportation efficiency.Lead packaging redesign initiatives to improve standardization, sustainability, quality, and cost effectiveness.Coordinate packaging testing, validation, and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with customer and internal requirements.Investigate packaging failures, shipping damage, and customer complaints; implement corrective actions and design improvements.Analyze packaging performance, material utilization, transportation efficiency, and packaging costs to identify improvement opportunities.Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging optimization, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.Maintain awareness of packaging regulations, sustainability trends, and industry best practices.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, packaging design, manufacturing, or a related field.Experience developing packaging specifications and validating packaging performance.Knowledge of corrugated packaging, palletization, product protection, and transportation packaging systems.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn ERP and related business systems.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting packaging compliance with DOT, CPSC, and PPWR or similar sustainability-focused regulations.Experience with customer packaging standards and packaging validation requirements.Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and ISTA packaging testing methodologies.Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or packaging optimization initiatives.Knowledge of recyclable materials, sustainable packaging practices, and packaging waste reduction programs.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsPrimarily office-based with regular time spent in manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, and packaging environments.Frequent computer use and document review.Occasional standing, walking, and interaction with packaging materials and production equipment.Ability to inspect packaging designs, shipment configurations, and palletized loads.Occasional lifting/carrying of items up to 10–30 lbs.Apply today and discover the opportunities that await you!A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $95,000 - $115,000. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. This role is bonus/and or incentive eligible.EEO/Affirmative Action Smalley is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, ancestry, marital status, or any other legally protected class as recognized by applicable law.You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, paid holidays, paid time off and 401(k).Should you need further assistance to apply to any of our job postings or have any general questions, please contact us at 847-719-5900.