Packaging Engineer | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $67,000 - $106,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling in packaging engineer? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Grand Rapids, seeking experienced Packaging Engineers to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Grand Rapids 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

• Design, develop, and implement new packaging solutions for manufactured products.
• Optimize existing packaging for cost efficiency, sustainability, and damage reduction.
• Conduct packaging material testing, validation, and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain teams.
• Manage packaging specifications, documentation, and bill of materials (BOMs).
• Ensure packaging compliance with industry standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Support manufacturing lines by troubleshooting packaging-related issues and improving line efficiency.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in packaging development, design, or engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of various packaging materials (e.g., plastics, paperboard, glass, metal, flexible films) and their properties.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for packaging design and experience with packaging testing methodologies (e.g., ISTA, ASTM).
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing processes, packaging line integration, and quality control principles.

Bonus Qualifications

• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with packaging simulation software (e.g., CAPE, TOPS).
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and lifecycle assessment (LCA) principles.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Packaging Engineer, Package Engineer, Packaging Development Engineer, Packaging Design Engineer, Packaging R&D Engineer, Packaging Specialist, Packaging Technologist

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.