Packaging Engineer

Kewaunee International Group; Statesville (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kewaunee Scientific Corporation is seeking an engineering professional to provide packaging support across product lines. You will design, test, and implement packaging solutions that protect products in transit while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Responsibilities include material evaluation, supplier coordination, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Strong data analysis skills and experience with Lean manufacturing practices are essential for continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering with 5+ years in a factory setting supporting manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement in packaging/shipping operations.
• Experience with data analysis techniques (PFMEA, 5 Whys, 8D) and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging solutions considering product safety, shipping, and environmental impact.
• Test and analyze packaging materials and designs for durability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Source cost-effective, sustainable packaging materials and document specifications.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Identify and implement new packaging technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Manage packaging projects, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting; solve packaging problems.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Corporate Office 2700 West Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Responsible for providing Engineering support for all packaging ideas at Kewaunee Scientific Corporation. The successful candidate will deploy problem‑solving skills to resolve packaging issues, reduce variability, and increase efficiency in all areas of packaging and shipping. This position will work closely with the Operations Leadership Team to execute the packaging/process strategy, including equipment selection and operator training, for their assigned areas. Primary responsibilities focus on development of cost‑effective packaging designs and driving continuous improvements, using Kaizen and lean manufacturing techniques to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Designing and Developing Packaging: Developing and implementing packaging designs for various Kewaunee Scientific products, considering factors like product safety, shipping requirements, and environmental impact.
• Testing and Analysis: Conducting performance testing on packaging materials and designs to ensure durability, safety, and compliance with industry standards. Working with cross‑functional teams, including product management, marketing, and logistics, to meet all packaging requirements.
• Material Sourcing and Evaluation: Evaluating and selecting cost‑effective and sustainable packaging materials from various suppliers. Creating detailed packaging specifications and documentation for manufacturing and shipping.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring packaging designs comply with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Innovation and Improvement: Identifying and implementing new packaging technologies and materials to improve efficiency and sustainability. Managing packaging projects, including planning, scheduling, and budget management.
• Problem Solving: Analyzing and resolving packaging‑related issues that may arise during production or shipping.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or Industrial Engineering and 5+ years of experience in a factory setting directly supporting manufacturing. Broad working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement techniques in relation to packaging and shipping operations. Proven track record in data analysis and problem solving using run charts, Pareto analysis, PFMEA, 5 Whys, 8D, and other techniques.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information orally and in written form to top management, staff members, and line employees.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and handle several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands‑on experience utilizing data and proven problem‑solving techniques to implement and sustain solutions that realize tangible improvements in safety, quality, and costs.
• Prior working experience with formal quality management systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, SolidWorks; previous powder coating experience or exposure desirable.
• Results oriented, strong initiative, ability to work independently and within teams to serve as a change agent and promote a continuous improvement culture.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The employee frequently stands, walks, sits, uses hands, lifts up to 50 pounds, and must have normal vision. Occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and wet or humid conditions. Noise level is usually quiet with moderate noise in certain areas.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.