Job Title: Packaging Engineer (Industrial / Protective Packaging Design)
Location: Columbus, IN (Onsite)
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Job Summary:
MS Companies is partnering with a confidential client in the industrial manufacturing space to identify a Packaging Engineer (also known as: Industrial Packaging Designer, Structural Designer). This individual will be responsible for the design, development, and optimization of packaging systems used to protect products throughout manufacturing, storage, and transportation. This role ensures packaging solutions meet performance, cost, sustainability, and regulatory requirements while supporting cross-functional teams across operations, engineering, and supply chain. This opportunity is ideal for someone with hands-on experience in protective/industrial packaging design who enjoys solving complex problems, improving packaging performance, and driving cost-effective, scalable solutions in a manufacturing environment.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in industrial or protective packaging design
- Experience designing packaging solutions using materials such as corrugate, foam, plastics, wood, or similar
- Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or similar)
- Strong understanding of packaging performance, durability, and cost optimization
- Experience working within manufacturing, distribution, or logistics environments
- Familiarity with packaging standards and testing methods (ISTA, ASTM, ISO, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- Experience supporting packaging for industrial, automotive, or heavy manufacturing products
- Exposure to sustainable packaging initiatives (recyclable, reusable, or material reduction)
- Experience evaluating packaging vendors, materials, and suppliers
- Background in continuous improvement, cost reduction, or process optimization
- Experience creating and maintaining BOMs, drawings, and technical documentation
- Strong project management and organizational skills
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Design and develop industrial packaging solutions to support product protection and transportation
- Create packaging specifications based on product requirements, shipping methods, and environmental conditions
- Analyze packaging performance and implement improvements to reduce damage, cost, and waste
- Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering teams to support packaging needs
- Develop CAD drawings and maintain packaging standards and documentation
- Evaluate and qualify packaging materials, suppliers, and vendors
- Support new product launches with packaging design and implementation
- Ensure compliance with packaging, shipping, and safety regulations
Physical and Environment Requirements
- Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments
- Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or testing facilities
- Ability to lift and inspect packaged products as needed
Company Benefits & Culture
- Direct hire opportunity with long-term career growth
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment with cross-functional exposure
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality, cost, and operational efficiency
- Competitive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options
- Employer-supported HSA contribution to offset healthcare costs
- Deductible reimbursement programs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match and vesting schedule
- Disability coverage and comprehensive healthcare support
- Stable and growing organization within the industrial manufacturing sector
