1

Packaging Engineering Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing) FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: General Manager SUMMARY This ... Directs customer, internal, and supplier product packaging development. * Champions introduction of ...

Work with Electrical Engineer on creating drawing package for electrical control cabinet * Use AutoCAD to create design package * Perform load calculations for machines * Interface with assembly team ...

Engineering Technician

Louisville, KY · On-site

$25.19 - $34.61/hr

And More! What you will do Performs duties with supervision or engineering guidance utilizing ... package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we ...

Mid-Level Civil Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing ...

Senior Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing ...

And More! What you will do Performs duties with supervision or engineering guidance utilizing ... package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we ...

Engineering Technician

Louisville, KY · On-site

$25.19 - $34.61/hr

And More! What you will do Performs duties with supervision or engineering guidance utilizing ... package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we ...

Showing results 21-40

Packaging Engineering information

See Kentucky salary details

$17

$36

$58

How much do packaging engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging engineering in Kentucky is $36.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.41 and $42.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a packaging engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, and packaging design, usually supported by a degree in packaging engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software, packaging simulation tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and innovate solutions. These skills ensure product safety, cost efficiency, and compliance throughout the packaging lifecycle.

What are some common challenges packaging engineers face when balancing sustainability with cost and functionality?

Packaging engineers often encounter the challenge of designing solutions that are environmentally friendly while still being cost-effective and meeting product protection requirements. Sustainable materials can sometimes be more expensive or less readily available, and may require adjustments in manufacturing processes. Additionally, engineers must ensure that the chosen packaging maintains product integrity during shipping and storage. Collaboration with suppliers, marketing, and manufacturing teams is essential to find a balance that aligns with company goals and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Packaging Engineering vs Packaging Technician?

AspectPackaging EngineeringPackaging Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of packaging solutionsImplementing and troubleshooting packaging processes
Industry UsageDesigning new packaging systems for productsMaintaining and operating packaging equipment
Common Search IntentUnderstanding roles in packaging design and developmentLearning about packaging process support and technical tasks

Packaging Engineering focuses on designing and developing packaging solutions, requiring engineering knowledge and design skills. Packaging Technicians support these systems by implementing and maintaining packaging processes, often with technical training. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is packaging engineering?

Packaging engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of packaging for products. Packaging engineers work to ensure that products are protected, preserved, and presented in a way that is efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. They consider factors such as materials, manufacturing processes, safety regulations, and environmental impact. This role often involves collaboration with product designers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to create packaging solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

What does a packaging engineer do?

A packaging engineer designs and develops packaging solutions to protect products during storage, handling, and transportation. They analyze materials, create prototypes, and ensure compliance with safety and industry standards, often using CAD software and testing methods. Their work helps optimize packaging for cost, sustainability, and efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Engineering jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Packaging Engineering jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Packaging Engineering jobs in Kentucky? For Packaging Engineering jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packaging Engineering jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Engineering jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Packaging Engineering jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Packaging Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Packaging Engineering job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,534 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) - 2nd Shift

Summit Polymer

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Summit Polymers rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 84 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.
JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.
A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don't just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We're always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)
SUMMARY
This is hands-on technical work involving the assembly of injection molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim, full center consoles, and kinetic parts including air conditioning outlets, cup holders, glove boxes and bins. Provide technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams with a focus on operational excellence each and every day.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:
  • Responsible for all assembly machine activities associated with new product launches including:
    • Participating with the product development team and corporate manufacturing technical leaders to:
      • Ensure products are designed for manufacturability and quality.
      • Specify robust assembly machines that include effective error proofing, good ergonomics, and facilitate efficient standardized work.
      • Provide feedback to the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to improve assembly machine standards.
    • Working with the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to develop standardized work, machine quote specification sheets, capacity analysis, work balance tables, and assembly cell layouts from NBA thru end of program.
  • Participate in all machine design review meetings.
  • Monitor progress of assembly machine construction to ensure program and plant required timing is met.
    • Participate in machine review and validation runs of assembly equipment prior to shipment to manufacturing plant.
    • Working with corporate packaging engineers and packaging suppliers to develop exeternal packaging and internal work in process packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations and the customer.
    • Work with the SLMS engineer (lean manufacturing) to develop flow racks for the assembly cell.
    • Write standardized work instructions so operators can perform work safely, with the proper quality, and in the proper time.
    • Lead and perform engineering changes to assembly machines from an electrical, pneumatic, servo motor controls, PLC, machining, and sensor & vision system perspective.
    • Assist maintenance with developing effective preventative maintenance schedule.
  • Responsible for supporting manufacturing for assembly machines and cells in production.
    • Support the production team in increasing efficiency, quality, and safety through use of standardardized work tools (element cycle time studies, standardized work charts and combination tables, work balance tables), practical problem solving methods and kaizen improvement opportunities.
    • Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner.
    • Develop justifications for various process improvement projects.
    • Conduct process audits to ensure standardized work and quality system compliance in assembly.
  • Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or assembly machine supplier environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Proficiency in Omron PLC programming.
  • Basic machine shop skills and ability to fabricate simple components.
  • Ability to read electrical and pneumatic prints.
  • Ability to view assembly machines in software such as SolidWorks eDrawing, to cut sections & measure dimensions.
  • Knowledge of plastic welding processes for injection molded parts including - sonic welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, IR welding.
  • Knowledge of secondary decoration process including - hot stamping, pad printing, laser etching, laser marking, etc.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of sensors and vision systems to create a robust assembly machine and process.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite - Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
  • Preferred experienced in:
    • SolidWorks
    • VisMockup
    • Six axis robot and cobot programming - Fanuc and UR

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
  • A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This position typically does not require any travel.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

What Summit Polymers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom