PACKAGING ENGINEER

Smalley Steel Ring Company; Lake Zurich (IL); In loco; USD 95.000 - 115.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) match

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO

Descrizione del lavoro

Smalley Steel Ring Company is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, validate, and standardize packaging solutions that protect products and meet customer requirements. You will work with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to integrate packaging into product design and launches while supporting efficient operations.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Packaging or related field and 3+ years' experience, with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related 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.

Mansioni

• Design and maintain packaging specifications, standards, and documentation for products and shipments.
• Ensure packaging solutions comply with applicable regulatory requirements (DOT, CPSC, PPWR) and other customer packaging requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Product Development to incorporate packaging requirements during design and launch.
• Review customer packaging specifications and translate into internal standards and processes.
• Develop and standardize packaging configurations (inner/ Master/ pallet) to support sales and distribution.
• Evaluate materials, carton designs, dunnage, palletization, and shipment configurations for protection and efficiency.
• Lead packaging redesigns to improve standardization, sustainability, quality, and cost.
• Coordinate packaging testing, validation, and performance evaluations.
• Investigate packaging failures and implement corrective actions and improvements.
• Analyze packaging performance and costs to identify optimization opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging optimization and waste reduction.

Conoscenze

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Strumenti

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Descrizione del lavoro

Job Details

Job Location: Smalley LZ - Lake Zurich, IL, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $95000.00 - $115000.00Salary, Job Shift: Office, Job Category: Engineering

About us

Smalley 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 Offer

• Competitive 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 growth
• Ongoing learning and training and development opportunities
• Company and department led team-building activities and events

Job Summary

The 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.

Qualifications: Required Qualifications

• Bachelor'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 Qualifications

• Experience supporting packaging compliance with DOT, CPSC, and PPWRor 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 Requirements

• Primarily 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.

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
• 401(k)

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.