Packaging Engineer | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $69,000 - $108,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in packaging engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking Packaging Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 are working with companies in East Lansing that are adding Packaging Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test packaging for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure packaging meets product, marketing, and manufacturing requirements.
• Optimize packaging for cost, sustainability, and supply chain efficiency.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, bills of material, and technical drawings.
• Conduct packaging line trials and provide technical support during production.
• Evaluate and recommend new packaging materials, technologies, and equipment.
• Troubleshoot packaging related issues and implement corrective actions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging development or engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with various packaging materials (e.g., plastics, paperboard, flexibles, glass) and their properties.
• Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for package design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of packaging machinery, line integration, and automation principles.
• Experience with packaging test methods (e.g., ISTA, ASTM) and quality control processes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software for packaging design.
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and practices.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with ISTA testing protocols.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Packaging Engineer, Packaging Development Engineer, Packaging Specialist, Packaging Technologist, Senior Packaging Engineer, Principal Packaging Engineer, Packaging R&D Engineer, Manufacturing Packaging Engineer, Packaging Innovation 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.