Packaging Engineer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $73,000 - $112,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated 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 career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Traverse City, seeking experienced Packaging Engineers to strengthen their teams.

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 collaborating with manufacturing firms in Traverse City that are seeking skilled Packaging Engineers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Conducts testing and validation of packaging materials and designs to ensure performance and compliance.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and marketing, to define packaging requirements and integrate solutions.
• Manages packaging projects from concept to launch, including timeline management, budget adherence, and risk mitigation.
• Evaluates and selects packaging materials and suppliers, considering cost, sustainability, and performance criteria.
• Troubleshoots packaging-related issues on the production line and implements corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Develops and maintains packaging specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Stays abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory requirements related to packaging.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for package design and development.
• Strong understanding of various packaging materials, their properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with packaging line design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and quality control procedures (e.g., ISTA, ASTM).

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for package design and visualization.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging materials and practices (e.g., recyclability, compostability, reduced material usage).
• Project management experience, particularly in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance for packaging (e.g., FDA, ISTA, DOT).
• Certification in packaging, lean manufacturing, or Six Sigma.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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