Packaging Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $76,000 - $116,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling in packaging engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Packaging Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Kalamazoo region seeking Packaging Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and tests packaging for new and existing products.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate packaging into the overall product development process.
• Optimizes packaging materials and designs for cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and manufacturability.
• Conducts packaging performance testing to ensure product protection and compliance with industry standards.
• Manages packaging projects from concept to production, including timelines, budgets, and vendor relations.
• Troubleshoots packaging-related issues on the production line and implements corrective actions.
• Stays current with industry trends and advancements in packaging technology and materials.
• Develops and maintains packaging specifications and documentation.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for packaging design and analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of various packaging materials, testing methods, and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISTA).
• Experience with packaging line integration, automation, and optimization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot packaging-related issues on the production floor.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software for packaging design.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and practices.
• Knowledge of ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) testing procedures.
• Project management experience, including leading cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles as applied to packaging processes.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Packaging Engineer, Packaging Development Engineer, Packaging Specialist, Packaging Technologist, Senior Packaging Engineer, Principal Packaging Engineer, Packaging R&D Engineer, Packaging Innovation Engineer, Materials and Packaging Engineer, Supply Chain Packaging Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.