Engineering Associate

Engineering Associate

The Engineering Associate is a hands-on hybrid role responsible for designing packaging solutions while also supporting production as a machine operator and assisting with administrative tasks. This position plays an important role in translating customer needs into accurate, manufacturable packaging designs.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, comfortable working in both an office and manufacturing environment, and highly proficient in AutoCAD. When not creating or revising packaging designs, the Engineering Associate will operate production equipment, assist with documentation, support job setup, and help ensure work flows accurately from design through production.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Design & Engineering Support

Design custom packaging solutions using AutoCAD based on customer requirements, product dimensions, shipping needs, material specifications, and internal manufacturing capabilities.

Translate customer requests, sketches, samples, specifications, and internal direction into accurate 2D drawings, layouts, and production-ready design files.

Work with sales, customer service, production, and management to understand customer needs and convert them into practical packaging solutions.

Review designs for manufacturability, material usage, durability, cost efficiency, and compatibility with available equipment and production processes.

Create, revise, and maintain technical drawings, specifications, design files, and related documentation.

Support samples, prototypes, and mockups for customer review or approval when needed.

Assist with design revisions, production questions, fit issues, quality concerns, and machine setup requirements related to packaging designs.

Maintain organized engineering files, customer specifications, revision histories, and production records.

Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve quality, simplify production, and lower costs through better design or process improvements.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, technical certification, or coursework in drafting, engineering technology, packaging, manufacturing, industrial design, or a related field preferred.

Proficiency in AutoCAD is required.

Ability to create, revise, and interpret technical drawings, dimensions, layouts, and production specifications.

Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment.

Ability to operate or learn to operate production machinery safely and effectively.

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and follow-through.

Ability to manage multiple priorities across design work, production support, and administrative tasks.

Comfortable communicating with internal teams and, when needed, customers or vendors.

Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, file management, and data entry.

Ability to read tape measures, calipers, rulers, and other measurement tools.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, and quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree. Experience in packaging, corrugated, protective packaging, wood products, pallets, crates, manufacturing, automotive packaging, logistics, or a related industry.

Experience designing packaging based on customer product requirements and manufacturing limitations.

Experience with CAD/CAM, ArtiosCAD, Solid Works, or other design software in addition to AutoCAD.

Experience operating manufacturing equipment, cutting tables, saws, presses, converting equipment, or related machinery.

Knowledge of packaging materials, corrugated board, protective packaging, foam, wood, pallets, crates, and returnable packaging.

Experience supporting quotes, bills of material, work orders, production documentation, or customer specification files.

Forklift experience or willingness to become certified, where applicable.

Skills & Competencies

AutoCAD drafting and design accuracy.

Technical problem solving.

Customer-focused packaging development.

Understanding of manufacturability and production efficiency.

Mechanical aptitude.

Strong math and measurement skills.

Production safety awareness.

Clear communication.

Strong organization and documentation skills.

Ability to move between office, shop floor, and administrative responsibilities.

Team-first attitude and willingness to support multiple areas of the business.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the production floor.

Ability to lift and carry up to 35–50 lbs. as needed.

Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and safety shoes where required.

Ability to work around manufacturing equipment, moving materials, and normal plant noise levels.

Work Environment

This role will split time between engineering/design work and hands-on production support. The Engineering Associate should be comfortable transitioning from…