Packaging Design Engineer

Who We Are

Shippers Supply (SSI) is a trusted B2B partner delivering packaging solutions, expert guidance, and supply chain support to manufacturing and distribution clients across North America. We serve industries ranging from medical device and industrial manufacturing to food and beverage, with a focus on quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. We help customers optimize packaging operations through in-house design, on-site manufacturing, automation, and tailored inventory programs.

We are actively growing our custom packaging segment. This is a key strategic focus, and you’ll be joining at the center of that momentum.

The Opportunity: Packaging Design Engineer

The Packaging Design Engineer plays a critical role in leading custom packaging design efforts. You’ll be the primary design resource working across sales, vendors, manufacturing, materials, and quality to develop high-performance packaging using foam, corrugated, wood, and hybrid materials.

This is a high-impact, hands-on role with meaningful cross-functional exposure. You’ll collaborate directly with customers, vendors, and internal teams, lead the technical development of solutions, and ensure that designs align with both client expectations and internal business goals.

The ideal candidate brings technical expertise, creativity, and strong collaboration skills—with the ability to own and manage packaging projects from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Design & Engineering

• Lead design of custom packaging solutions using foam, corrugated, and wood materials
• Develop CAD drawings and specifications using ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, and other tools
• Create physical prototypes for internal review and customer validation
• Optimize packaging designs for in-house manufacturing versus vendor outsourcing to optimize cost, quality and lead time.

Sales Support & Customer Interaction

• Participate in sales visits and discovery to understand customer goals and packaging needs
• Provide technical guidance and support during quoting and project development
• Identify and communicate innovative solutions that align with brand, cost, and sustainability goals

Cost Estimation & Quoting

• Support estimating process with accurate material and labor assessments
• Analyze project data and contribute to customer proposals
• Interpret specifications and drawings to develop design-specific costs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with sales, manufacturing, and quality to ensure manufacturability
• Support first article inspections and transition from design to production
• Assist with vendor evaluations and packaging material testing

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to ISO 9001:2015 compliance and quality documentation
• Assist in improving internal design processes, documentation, and prototyping standards
• Routinely evaluate new materials and systems with internal and external partners

The Challenges & Opportunities

While you’ll have strong internal support, you will serve as the primary technical expert for packaging design within the organization. This requires initiative, time management, and confidence in your design decisions. You’ll be working alongside experienced salespeople, a responsive manufacturing team, and an engaged leadership group—all aligned to grow the custom packaging division.

Success in this role means embracing our values:

• Think Like a Customer to design practical, protective solutions
• Expect Results by delivering high-quality work on time and within spec
• Always Get Better by continuously improving design methods and learning new materials
• Win As a Team by collaborating across functions and supporting our collective goals

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000–$90,000 per year depending on experience (see full Salary Transparency below)
• Profit Sharing
• Health & Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Company-paid LTD, Company-paid Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement: 401(k) with company match
• Time Off: PTO, Volunteer Time Off, Paid Parental Leave, and Paid Holidays
• Growth: Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Culture: Flexible, team-oriented environment with enterprise-level backing

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Background checks and drug tests required.

Salary Transparency

The pay range for this position is $75,000-90,000 per year depending on experience. Please note that the higher end of the pay range is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role. Most new hires typically start at the beginning of the pay range, with opportunities for growth and increases based on performance and tenure.

Shippers Supply, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings account (HSA), a 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, paid time off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO), company-paid life insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD), and other wellness programs.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Manufacturing Design Engineering, or related field – or equivalent hands-on experience
• 3+ years of experience designing custom packaging (foam, corrugated, wood)
• Proficiency with CAD tools: ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent
• Strong problem-solving and creative design skills
• Effective communicator with ability to work cross-functionally
• Strong math, measurement, and documentation skills
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred:

• Experience supporting ISO 9001:2015 compliance
• Familiarity with performance testing (drop, vibration, static/anti-static)
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging materials and cost-reduction strategies
• Experience supporting product launches or quality inspections