Packaging Engineer - Kalamazoo Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group is actively seeking a Packaging Engineer for Kalamazoo, MI to design, develop, test, and integrate packaging for products across multiple lines.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize materials, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability while managing projects from concept to production and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for packaging design and analysis.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, testing methods, and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISTA).
• Experience with packaging line integration, automation, and optimization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot packaging-related issues on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and tests packaging for new and existing products.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate packaging into the overall product development process.
• Optimizes packaging materials and designs for cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and manufacturability.
• Conducts packaging performance testing to ensure product protection and compliance with industry standards.
• Manages packaging projects from concept to production, including timelines, budgets, and vendor relations.
• Troubleshoots packaging-related issues on the production line and implements corrective actions.
• Stays current with industry trends and advancements in packaging technology and materials.
• Develops and maintains packaging specifications and documentation.

Skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Packaging design & analysis

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Packaging Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $76,000 - $116,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling in packaging engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Packaging Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Kalamazoo region seeking Packaging Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and tests packaging for new and existing products.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate packaging into the overall product development process.
• Optimizes packaging materials and designs for cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and manufacturability.
• Conducts packaging performance testing to ensure product protection and compliance with industry standards.
• Manages packaging projects from concept to production, including timelines, budgets, and vendor relations.
• Troubleshoots packaging-related issues on the production line and implements corrective actions.
• Stays current with industry trends and advancements in packaging technology and materials.
• Develops and maintains packaging specifications and documentation.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for packaging design and analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various packaging materials, testing methods, and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISTA).
• Experience with packaging line integration, automation, and optimization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot packaging-related issues on the production floor.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software for packaging design.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and practices.
• Knowledge of ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) testing procedures.
• Project management experience, including leading cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles as applied to packaging processes.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Packaging Engineer, Packaging Development Engineer, Packaging Specialist, Packaging Technologist, Senior Packaging Engineer, Principal Packaging Engineer, Packaging R&D Engineer, Packaging Innovation Engineer, Materials and Packaging Engineer, Supply Chain Packaging Engineer