How to become A Packaging Engineer

Whether it is a 50-cent coffee mug or a multi-million dollar artwork, it’s the Packaging Engineer who designs and develops a functional and cost-effective packaging that guarantees the product reaches its final destination intact.

• Packaging Technologist
• Packaging Scientist
• Package Engineer

What do Packaging Engineers do?

A Packaging Engineer would typically need to:

• Design and develop cost-effective, functional and visually appealing packaging that keeps a product safe while making sure that it meets set requirements and specifications
• Draft the packaging in a CAD program to ensure the best transition between the design and manufacturing process
  Produce secure and space-optimising samples in different materials and designs, with internal partitions, void fillers and other internal features
• Liaise with internal creative graphic designers, industrial designers, purchasing staff, product engineers, global & regional marketing stakeholders, creative agencies and vendors
• Explore the hazards and environmental threats faced by an item during the delivery and storage processes
• Identify cost-effective measures without compromising quality; offer technical guidance and support, if necessary
• Run trials to check the packaging will hold good under various conditions; control production and quality standards; report substandard packages
• Evaluate, select and negotiate with suppliers from whom raw materials or finished products are purchased; review prototypes and iterations; provide feedback to vendors on improvements
• Incorporate consumer and industry research into their designs after an in-depth study of the latest trends, pricing architectures and potential obstacles that may crop up during the testing stage
• Prepare documentation in line with engineering protocols and regulations; ensure the manufacturing specifications are compliant with ISO and environment regulations
• Create an efficient packaging process for both secondary and tertiary packaging; make sure it meets the final customer’s end of life disposal options

Most Packaging Engineers spend extended periods sitting and working at a computer monitor in a traditional office setting. Travel may come into play when there is a need to attend tech expos and conferences.

Packaging Engineers adhere to a standard 40-hour/week work schedule.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Packaging Engineers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Packaging Engineers are generally employed by:

• Manufacturing Companies
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• The Food & Beverage Industries
• Retailers
• Packaging Manufacturers
• Packaging Converters

Professional associations and organisations such as The IOM3 Packaging Society are crucial for a Packaging Engineer interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Constantly ensure that all aspects of a packaging system work seamlessly and without a hitch
• The need to choose the best and most cost-effective combination of materials to ship a given product from the ever-expanding options
• Maintain quality control over packaging material
• Wasted resources when product and packaging engineers are not in the exact geographical location
• Additional stress due to growth in the number of third parties involved in packaging design

College graduates with a degree in packaging or a related field of engineering should be able to find a job as the packaging industry continues to grow. However, Packaging Engineers who have relevant work experience are often at an advantage. 

Experience gained through employment as a packaging technician or in product development, manufacturing, process or quality control work can help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. Proven skills in CAD software will prove valuable.

Some employers ask for more than five years of experience in industrial or consumer packaging. Others seek candidates with expertise in rapid prototyping and project management.

Internships or work-study programs offered by educational providers may prove a stepping stone to lucrative jobs.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working in packaging to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

The majority of Packaging Engineers have an accredited bachelor’s degree in an appropriate technical, scientific or engineering subject such as graphic design, logistics, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical/mechanical/production or manufacturing/industrial/electrical/systems engineering, food/packaging/materials science and life, medical or physical sciences. 

A postgraduate degree in packaging technology or science can be beneficial, especially if the candidate does not have a directly relevant first degree if they wish to specialise in a specific area or do research.

Some education providers offer a diploma in packaging technology via part-time and distance learning courses.

Ideally, all programs should include varying insight into packaging materials, package development, packaging line machinery and product protection & distribution.

Take high school classes in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus) and sciences (physics and chemistry). You will also benefit from taking courses in computer science, mechanical drawing, economics, accounting, English, art, computer-aided design (CAD) and graphic arts.

Although it is not mandatory, many Packaging Engineers obtain certification to demonstrate their competence in 3D CAD software, packaging design validation standards (ISO 9001), drafting & specification standards, marketing and project management.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. 

Since their work directly affects food and drug spoilage, protection from hazardous materials, and protection from damage, Packaging Engineers may need to acquire a special license that holds them accountable for public safety.

Check with prospective employers whether the position offered needs a special license. Standard prerequisites include an engineering degree, significant related work experience and passing the examination.

Some companies provide structured programs for career progression. From doing routine work under expert supervision, entry-level Packaging Engineers advance to carrying out more sophisticated jobs independently. 

From being a team member, they will progress to the position of Project Supervisor or Department Manager. Alternatively, they could move from assisting one to becoming a Product Designer and a Manager in the future.

Packaging Engineers may advance through their department to become Senior Manager or Vice-President of their company. Opportunities for advancement into senior technologist or managerial positions materialise when employees can change employers or relocate if necessary.

After gaining significant experience, you might want to become self-employed as a Packaging Consultant. Those who choose to add a law degree to their technical and scientific skills become Patent Attorneys.

Candidates with a master’s degree in packaging engineering or science and significant experience have the best job prospects.

Packaging Engineers who wish for smooth advancement may want to pursue a master’s degree in another branch of engineering or business administration. Those who want to become patent attorneys should add a law degree to their list of qualifications. 

Companies that encourage their employees to invest in continuing education throughout their career provide training through in-house seminars and outside workshops to develop new skills and gain technical knowledge, a tried and tested way to increase chances for promotion.

Membership and involvement in professional associations help you stay abreast of new trends within the industry, learn what professional peers are doing and make contact with other professionals in the industry.

The contacts you make at association events can point you towards opportunities for advancement in new areas or a different company.

Essential Aspects of Packaging

Wrapping, sealing, cutting, forming, pouching, blister packing, folding, strapping, trimming, filling and conveying are all essential aspects of an efficient packaging system.

Relevant Factors to be Considered

Packaging Engineers are increasingly concerned with efficient use of raw materials and production facilities, the conservation of energy, and the reduction of costs. They may use materials that can be recycled or cut down on weight and size.

In addition to keeping up with the latest developments in packaging methods and materials, they often recommend innovative ways to package products. 

Choices

Packaging Engineers get to choose between manual or automated packing, peanuts or air pillows and hot or cold sealing.

Simulation 101

Perishable items such as food and beverages have to be packaged to avoid spoilage, while electronic components have to be packed to prevent damage to parts.

Value Engineering

Value engineering or packaging science operates on the principle of cost-efficiency. Packaging Engineers reassess products that have been tried and tested in the real world to see if costs can be saved by either packaging standardisation or fine-tuning the design of a product’s packaging.

Core Tasks

Almost any product from a simple bag of grapes to a missile head needs to be packaged so that it is adequately protected from external elements during transport.

Besides, a Packaging Engineer must make sure the packaging design (form and function) turns out to be one of the product’s unique selling points (USPs).

Finally, optimal utilisation of space and packaging standardisation contribute to the manufacture of cost-effective packaging products.

All Paths Lead to Superior Packaging

Some Packaging Engineers design and develop packaging, while others oversee the actual production of the packages.

Some companies have their own packaging facilities, while others subcontract the packaging to specialised packaging firms.

Manufacturing and packaging can be large, multinational enterprises that manufacture, package and distribute numerous products or small operations limited to the production of one or two specific products.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Packaging Engineers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Packaging Engineer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The glass colour of a bottle can determine the shelf life of its liquid contents. Beer in a clear glass bottle spoils faster. The coloured glass prevents UV rays from penetrating the liquid.

They are one of those invisible but pivotal behind-the-scenes professionals that keep the global economy alive. Packaging Engineers strive to balance minimal risk to the product and maximum customer satisfaction with optimal profit generation.

“Remember that a mentor is not there to ‘hook you up’ with jobs, contacts or favours. A good mentor acts as a sounding board, providing advice and asking questions that enable protégés to see issues from a new perspective.”

Prateek Lal, MD, Adept Packaging.