Packaging Design Engineer

Packaging Design Engineer Location: Stratford, CT Salary: $70,000–$90,000 Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday, approximately 7:30 AM–4:00 PM Position Overview Superior Skilled Trades is partnering with a client in Stratford, CT to hire a Packaging Design Engineer. This is a multifaceted engineering position combining custom packaging design, manufacturing operations, production coordination, and process improvement. The ideal candidate will have experience or formal training in packaging design or engineering, strong AutoCAD skills, and the ability to develop custom packaging solutions that protect products during shipment. The position also involves coordinating manufacturing activities, managing production priorities, working directly with machine operators, and improving production efficiency. This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys solving technical challenges, working on the manufacturing floor, and taking on a variety of engineering responsibilities in a smaller manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Packaging Design & Engineering

• Develop and engineer custom packaging solutions for manufactured products.
• Evaluate products damaged during shipment and determine how packaging materials, designs, and configurations can be improved.
• Design packaging solutions that provide adequate protection for products during transportation.
• Use AutoCAD to develop, modify, and communicate packaging designs and technical drawings.
• Read and interpret blueprints, part drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Work with internal teams to implement packaging improvements and resolve shipping-related issues.
• Take ownership of packaging design responsibilities and provide technical support as needed.

Manufacturing Operations & Production Coordination

• Coordinate daily manufacturing operations and production schedules.
• Determine job priorities and allocate machinery and equipment based on production requirements.
• Assign work to machine operators and coordinate workloads across the production floor.
• Assist with the supervision and direction of machine operators.
• Maintain a regular shop-floor presence and provide hands-on support when needed.
• Answer technical questions and help operators interpret blueprints, drawings, and job specifications.
• Monitor production progress to ensure jobs are completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Coordinate with sales, production, and management regarding priorities and changing customer requirements.
• Lead regular production meetings and help resolve scheduling and workflow challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in AutoCAD is required.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and part drawings.
• Experience or formal training in packaging design or packaging engineering is strongly preferred.
• Ability to develop custom packaging solutions.
• Background in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or manufacturing operations.
• Understanding of production scheduling, workflow optimization, manufacturing equipment, and production processes.
• Comfortable working directly with machine operators and providing technical guidance.
• Willingness to maintain a regular shop-floor presence and assist with hands-on work when needed.
• Experience with VCarve (Vectric) software is a plus.
• Previous hands-on experience with machine operation, carpentry, testing, or similar work is a strong plus.
• Experience with 3-axis CNC routing or waterjet cutting is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Manufacturing Environment The company uses traditional manufacturing processes and supports aerospace-related manufacturing, including products involving rotating components. The position involves working with manufacturing equipment and processes, with an emphasis on production efficiency and practical engineering solutions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 80 hours of PTO during the first year.
• 8 paid company holidays.
• One additional day of PTO accrued each year, up to 120 hours (3 weeks).
• Eligibility for a year-end bonus based on individual contribution and company performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

INDH