Senior Packaging Engineer

Klein Tools; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Klein Tools is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer in Illinois to lead packaging initiatives for cost reduction, sustainability, and promotional packaging. You will oversee the packaging commercialization process for new product development across assigned product categories, collaborating with engineering, operations, and procurement.

You will design and validate retail packaging components, coordinate with marketing for displays, mentor junior engineers, and prepare technical documentation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering with 5 years of related experience.
• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals and material properties.
• Experience with palletization optimization software (TOPS/CAPE) and CAD (ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks).
• Strong technical, analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to facilitate projects and provide solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication within a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver detailed presentations on packaging projects to leadership.
• Lead packaging projects from initiation through completion and assess outcomes.
• Design, prototype, and validate retail packaging components for new products.
• Collaborate with engineering, product management, operations, and procurement to optimize packaging.
• Support setup of promotional displays coordinating with marketing.
• Partner with suppliers to develop packaging specifications.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking on packaging trends.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives in packaging materials and processes.
• Lead resolution of packaging-related issues in design, testing, or quality.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Adaptability

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Tools

TOPS

CAPE

ArtiosCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a pivotal role in executing corporate packaging initiatives identified by the management team, including projects focused on cost reduction, operational enhancements, process improvements, and leading seasonal promotional packaging efforts. This role is responsible for overseeing all facets of the packaging commercialization process for new product development and sustainability initiatives within assigned product categories, in addition to resolving conflicts and negotiating with suppliers to address packaging-related issues. The Senior Packaging Engineer works on projects that are unique to the company, requiring a deep understanding of materials, operations, and customer needs. Additionally, the role is responsible for conducting engineering analyses to define packaging design requirements, assess material suitability, and evaluate the feasibility of proposed processes.

• 1. Develop and deliver detailed presentations on packaging projects to cross-functional leadership, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of technical and project data.
• 2. Lead the execution of assigned packaging projects from initiation through completion. Conduct post-project evaluations and present findings on performance versus original objectives.
• 3. Design, prototype, and validate retail packaging components for new product development, including clamshells, trapped blisters, folding cartons, injection-molded hang tags, printed polybags, and header cards.
• 4. Collaborate with engineering, product management, operations, and procurement to optimize packaging solutions aligned with product and operational goals.
• 5. Support setup of promotional and point-of-purchase displays by coordinating packaging design with marketing and branding requirements.
• 6. Partner with domestic and international suppliers to develop and maintain packaging specifications consistent with supplier capabilities and product requirements.
• 7. Conduct competitive benchmarking to identify packaging trends and opportunities for performance, sustainability, and customer experience improvements.
• 8. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives in packaging materials, processes, transportation, and storage without compromising quality or brand standards.
• 9. Recommend workflow improvements to enhance packaging efficiency and scalability.
• 10. Lead resolution of packaging-related issues in design, testing, or quality, including hands‑on support and troubleshooting.
• 11. Prepare technical documentation including packaging drawings, material specifications, handling/shipping instructions, and inspection criteria.
• 12. Draft and present technical reports summarizing analysis and findings to internal stakeholders.
• 13. Mentor and support junior packaging engineers through project work and technical guidance.
• 14. Perform other duties as assigned within the scope and level of the role.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering and five (5) years of related experience are required.
• A solid knowledge of engineering fundamentals and principles with good general understanding of various material properties is required.
• Experience with palletization optimization software (ex: TOPS, CAPE) and CAD (ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks) is a plus.
• Must have strong technical, analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Must be capable of facilitating projects and solutions.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication within a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize projects and departmental goals to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities under tight time constraints.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Salary

This role has an annual salary range of $97,000 - $130,000. In addition to salary, you’re eligible for competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Klein Tools Inc. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and location.

Physical Demand Requirements

Occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers to touch, pick or pinch objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use foot or leg controls; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. For all jobs no one should lift over 50lbs on their own. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Travel Requirements

This role requires international travel; candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally as needed.