Job Description

Packaging / Materials Engineer

Location: Cincinnati, OH
Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract

We are seeking a Packaging / Materials Engineer to support the development, optimization, and implementation of packaging systems and material solutions across manufacturing and product environments. This role is responsible for managing packaging development activities, supporting supplier collaboration, improving packaging efficiency, and ensuring compliance with operational, quality, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong engineering, analytical, and problem-solving skills with experience supporting packaging design, testing, and manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage packaging development activities, including packaging design, prototyping, testing, and validation
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues involving materials, designs, processes, and transportation requirements
• Develop creative, timely, and cost-effective packaging solutions to support operational and customer needs
• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, and product requirements to determine packaging characteristics and material requirements
• Evaluate environmental, handling, transportation, and safety considerations impacting packaging solutions
• Establish packaging standards, supplier evaluation criteria, and packaging best practices
• Evaluate, select, and manage packaging suppliers and vendors, including periodic supplier performance reviews
• Collaborate closely with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, operations, product management, and global suppliers
• Support new product introduction activities to ensure packaging readiness and successful product launches
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives related to packaging materials, transportation, labor, storage, and manufacturing efficiency
• Optimize packaging supply base performance related to quality, lead time, standardization, regionalization, compliance, and supply continuity
• Recommend and support testing methods, validation procedures, and packaging efficiency tools
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure packaging designs support manufacturability and operational efficiency
• Maintain packaging documentation, specifications, standards, and technical reports

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Experience supporting packaging development, materials engineering, manufacturing, or supply chain operations
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, testing methods, transportation requirements, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Experience supporting supplier collaboration, vendor management, and cost reduction initiatives
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering or packaging-related software tools
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and fast-paced project environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting industrial manufacturing, consumer products, medical device, food & beverage, or distribution environments
• Knowledge of packaging validation, ISTA testing, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience with CAD software, packaging development tools, or material testing systems
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or supply chain optimization initiatives
• Experience supporting global suppliers and multi-site manufacturing operations