Entry Level Packaging Systems Design Engineer / Mechanical Engineer
The Entry Level Packaging Systems Design Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, specifying, and commissioning packaging equipment lines within food and beverage processing facilities. This role involves close collaboration with engineering teams to develop packaging system designs, manage on-site construction coordination, and support equipment installation and start-up, requiring significant travel to project sites. The position offers an opportunity to grow expertise in packaging engineering principles and contribute to the design and build of food processing plants for major brands.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, food and beverage processing engineering and design‑build construction.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Packaging Systems Design Engineer / Mechanical Engineer to support packaging equipment design, installation, and commissioning for food & beverage processing projects. This is a field‑forward role with significant travel to project sites (50%+). Ideal candidates have a mechanical, packaging, industrial, or manufacturing engineering degree and hands‑on interest in packaging machinery, layout, and commissioning.
What You’ll Do
- Develop design concepts, estimates, and functional specifications for packaging lines
- Interpret mechanical design requirements and translate customer specifications into packaging system designs
- Specify, purchase, oversee installation, and commission packaging equipment
- Coordinate on-site construction activities and provide construction support
- Design machines and processes; prepare machine testing requirements and procedures
- Produce equipment/facility layouts and AutoCAD equipment drawings
- Create packaging flow diagrams, material balances, packaging matrices, and equipment lists
- Assist with equipment bid packages and vendor evaluation
- Understand size and placement requirements for control/electrical panels
- Create design basis documents, scopes of work, and basis of design deliverables
- Advise on manufacturing and packaging design principles including conveyance, wrapping, bagging, cartoning, filling, bottling, case packing, and palletizing
- Support process simulation and sanitary/warehouse layout design
- Research packaging engineering best practices and contribute to talent development within the organization
Who You Are / Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Packaging, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
- 0–3 years of relevant experience (internships, co-op, or coursework acceptable) in scope, layout, installation, or commissioning of packaging equipment
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, MS Office, and MS Project
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Intellectual curiosity, positive team orientation, and strong problem‑solving abilities
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills
- Willing and able to travel to job sites at least 50% of the time
- Physical ability to sit for prolonged periods and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- Experience or interest in food & beverage processing environments
- Prior exposure to packaging machinery types (wrapping, bagging, cartoning, filling, bottling, case packing, palletizing)
- Experience supporting on-site construction, start-up, or commissioning
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated base salary (from source posting): $70,899 per year (actual pay will vary based on experience and location)
- Confidential Client provides competitive compensation and benefits, which may include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, bonus/profit-sharing, and retirement plans. Specific benefits and final compensation will be shared by the hiring organization during the interview process.
Location & Travel
- Job location: Springfield, MA (onsite and field work required)
- Travel: 50%+ to visit project sites and other offices
Legal & Accessibility Notes
Confidential Client and Careertakes are committed to compliance with applicable US federal, state, and local employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application and interview process—please notify Careertakes if you require assistance.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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