Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

This role provides technical support to a manufacturing facility by leading projects focused on the design, development, installation, and documentation of new and existing packaging materials, equipment, and processes. Working under limited supervision, the Packaging Engineer partners with cross-functional teams to improve packaging performance, reduce costs, enhance quality, and support new product introductions across manufacturing, distribution, and global logistics operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely technical support to manufacturing, distribution, vendors, and dealers to diagnose packaging-related problems and implement effective solutions for complaints and production issues.
• Collaborate closely with sourcing, marketing, engineering, quality, project teams, and test laboratories to address packaging challenges and ensure alignment with business and production requirements.
• Work with global logistics teams to resolve packaging issues related to import and export, ensuring that packaging solutions meet shipping and handling requirements.
• Ensure packaging databases and related systems remain accurate and current with production processes, materials, and specifications.
• Create clear, detailed work instructions for packaging processes and train operators to ensure consistent and safe execution on the production floor.
• Evaluate packaging processes to optimize material usage, labor, and cube (space) costs, with the goal of increasing productivity and profitability.
• Identify key areas for process improvement through cost justifications and performance evaluations, and lead initiatives to implement these improvements.
• Evaluate, test, and implement environmentally friendly, cost-effective packaging solutions that support sustainability goals while maintaining quality and performance.
• Investigate and analyze packaging-related quality issues to determine root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions that reduce damage complaints.
• Stay current with new packaging technologies, materials, equipment, and processes, and assess their applicability to existing and future operations.
• Provide technical support for the implementation of packaging for new products introduced into the plant, ensuring alignment with the quality system and new product development processes.
• Ensure packaging for new products and special configurations meets cost and profit targets, adheres to schedules, and conforms to shipping specifications and test requirements.
• Support the development and execution of testing and evaluation procedures in accordance with applicable shipping and performance specifications.
• Apply creative thinking to packaging design projects to improve protection, usability, sustainability, and visual appeal while controlling cost and complexity.
• Effectively communicate packaging concepts, issues, and solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organization.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in packaging engineering or a closely related packaging-focused role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate quality issues and determine root causes.
• Ability to organize work effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and production schedules.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and reliably under limited supervision.
• Experience working in both manufacturing and office environments and collaborating with multiple functional groups.
• Ability to perform cost analysis related to cube utilization and packaging materials to support productivity and profitability goals.
• Adaptability to change and willingness to adjust to evolving priorities, technologies, and processes.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Working knowledge of packaging equipment, packaging materials, and packaging processes used in manufacturing and distribution.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications for analysis, documentation, and communication.
• Experience using CAPE or similar packaging design and cube optimization software.
• Experience with SAP for managing materials, specifications, and related production data.
• Experience with Windchill or similar product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
• Familiarity with ASTM and ISTA ship test specifications and their application to packaging design and validation.
• Proven ability to support new product introductions from a packaging perspective, ensuring compliance with quality systems and shipping requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in packaging engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience working with global logistics teams to address packaging challenges for import and export operations.
• Exposure to environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions and materials.
• Experience creating detailed work instructions and training production operators on new or revised packaging processes.
• Ability to link and coordinate efforts among sourcing, marketing, engineering, quality, project teams, and test laboratories.
• Creative approach to packaging design that balances protection, cost, sustainability, and user experience.
• Familiarity with manufacturing quality systems and structured new product development processes.

Work Environment

The role operates within a modern manufacturing and office environment dedicated to workplace solutions, where packaging plays a key role in supporting products that integrate space, technology, and furniture. You will split your time between the plant floor and office settings, working closely with cross-functional teams and using tools such as MS Office, CAPE, SAP, and Windchill, along with packaging equipment and test facilities aligned with ASTM and ISTA standards. The culture encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability in every part of the business. Team members receive coaching and inspiration throughout their career journey, and the workspace is designed to support wellbeing, collaboration, and doing your best work each day.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Athens, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.