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Engineering > Packaging Engineer

Salary National Average

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70030.0000 85970.0000 100740.0000

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Short Description:

A Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing packaging solutions to ensure the safe and efficient transportation, storage, and display of products. They evaluate materials, create prototypes, and conduct tests to optimize packaging for durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Packaging Engineers collaborate with product design, manufacturing, and marketing teams to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. Strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of materials science, and an understanding of industry standards are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Create innovative and functional packaging designs that meet product protection, marketing, and sustainability goals.
  • Conduct tests to evaluate the durability, safety, and efficiency of packaging materials under various conditions such as transportation, storage, and handling.
  • Analyze current packaging processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
  • Work with product development, marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to align packaging design with overall business objectives.
  • Ensure that packaging designs meet legal, environmental, and safety regulations, including FDA, ISO, or other industry standards.
  • Identify and procure cost-effective and sustainable materials for packaging that meet design specifications and company policies.
  • Create and test prototypes for new packaging designs, document specifications, and refine designs based on feedback.
  • Assist in the setup and implementation of packaging lines, including troubleshooting issues and ensuring production efficiency.
  • Integrate eco-friendly materials and designs into packaging solutions to support company sustainability initiatives.
  • Monitor and evaluate packaging costs, ensuring designs meet budget constraints without compromising quality or functionality.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field is required.
  • Technical Expertise: Knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment, as well as familiarity with CAD software for design and prototyping.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills to address challenges in packaging design and production.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of packaging standards, safety regulations, and environmental compliance, such as FDA, ISO, or ASTM standards.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and coordinating with various departments.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail for designing functional, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions.
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with teams, present designs, and document specifications.
  • Experience with Testing and Quality Control: Hands-on experience with packaging testing methodologies, such as drop testing, compression testing, or temperature resistance evaluations.

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators. 
  • SVP Range: (7.0 to < 8.0)
     

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