Packaging Engineer - Paw Paw Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Paw Paw (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Paw Paw, MI is building a network of Packaging Engineers for current and future opportunities. This role focuses on designing, evaluating, and testing packaging solutions aligned with product development while collaborating across teams to optimize cost, sustainability, and manufacturability.

Ideal candidates bring a Bachelor's in a packaging-related field and 3+ years of manufacturing packaging experience, with CAD proficiency and knowledge of ISTA/ASTM standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of packaging development or engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software for packaging design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of packaging materials, properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with packaging test methods and industry standards (ISTA, ASTM).
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and their impact on packaging design and cost.

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 for cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Conducts material selection and testing to ensure packaging meets performance and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and maintains packaging specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Troubleshoots and resolves packaging-related issues in manufacturing and supply chain.
• Stays current with industry trends and advancements in packaging materials, technologies, and regulations.

Skills

Packaging design

CAD SolidWorks

Materials knowledge

ISTA/ASTM standards

Supply chain awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging/Mechanical/Chemical

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Packaging Engineer | Paw Paw, MI

Salary Range: $70,000 - $109,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in packaging engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Paw Paw seeking skilled 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 Paw Paw 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 for cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Conducts material selection and testing to ensure packaging meets performance and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and maintains packaging specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Troubleshoots and resolves packaging-related issues in manufacturing and supply chain.
• Stays current with industry trends and advancements in packaging materials, technologies, and regulations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in packaging development or engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for package design and analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various packaging materials, their properties, and manufacturing processes (e.g., plastics, paperboard, glass, metals).
• Experience with packaging test methods and industry standards (e.g., ISTA, ASTM).
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and their impact on packaging design and cost.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software for packaging design.
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and practices.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles.
• ISTA certification or experience with transit testing protocols.
• Project management experience, particularly in cross-functional teams.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.