What Is a Packaging Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A packaging engineer is an engineer who specializes in developing containers and packages for products that meet the manufacturer’s needs. As a packaging engineer, your responsibilities and duties include working with the product manufacturer to decide what kind of package or container (box, bottle, bag, stretch wrap, molded forms, etc.) is best for the product. You discuss what material (paper, plastic, glass, metal, etc.) is best. You determine the most efficient method to produce the containers and how they will appear. This job often requires travel to meet with clients.

To become a packaging engineer, you must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most jobs require a bachelor’s degree in package engineering or a related field. In these programs, you study the basics of package engineering, including materials, design, manufacturing, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. This education is the way you will gain the skills and qualifications you need to fulfill your responsibilities in this career. Many employers require experience, which you can gain through an internship or work as an assistant packaging engineer for a period if you are just starting out.

Package engineers work in any industry that requires packaging. This a broad field with many applications. You may work in the science or medical field, developing sterile packaging for sensitive materials. You may work with food product wholesalers, determining how best to keep their product safe and fresh. You can work with shipping companies, designing packaging materials. No matter your niche, you will need to master the skills and knowledge needed to make important material and manufacturing decisions that meet the need at the best price. You will also need good communication skills to walk through the decision process with clients.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to help us design and develop packaging for our products. In this position, you will consider sustainability, material costs, and efficiency when designing the packaging. You will work directly with the manufacturer to ensure we protect the product without raising the cost of the product. After you have selected the best material, you will design the product in a computer-aided design (CAD) program and send the specifications to the manufacturer. Our ideal applicant has a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and several years of drafting experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze the product and determine how best to package it
• Coordinate with the manufacturer to select the right material
• Draft the packaging in a CAD program
• Work with the manufacturer to ensure the packaging meets our needs

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• Drafting and engineering experience
• Strong collaboration skills
• CAD experience and skills