Packing Engineer

Packaging Engineer Location: Stockton Working Pattern: Onsite, 5 days per week | 8:00am–4:00pm | 37.5 hours per week Contract: 12 months initially, with potential for ongoing work IR35 Status: Inside IR35 Pay Rate: £42.00–£43.75 per hour Umbrella £35.00–£36.50 per hour PAYE The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced Packaging Engineer to join a dedicated packaging team in Stockton. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong industrial packaging or material handling background to take ownership of packaging development, optimisation and continuous improvement across a range of products. You will play a key role in developing packaging solutions that improve safety, quality, cost and transportation efficiency, while working closely with suppliers, logistics providers, operations and wider engineering teams. The role offers a broad mix of hands-on engineering, analytical work and 3D CAD modelling, with the opportunity to make a direct impact on packaging performance and process improvement. Key Responsibilities * Lead the design, development and optimisation of returnable and expendable packaging for individual components and bulk shipments. * Develop packaging solutions that provide effective part containment and protection while optimising transportation efficiency. * Establish packaging and processing specifications at part-number level for new product introductions. * Provide detailed packaging requirements and specifications to suppliers. * Collaborate with suppliers, logistics providers and cross-functional teams to define requirements and implement packaging solutions. * Design packaging solutions to protect finished painted components and minimise transportation damage. * Perform containerisation analysis, testing, quoting and validation. * Validate new packaging and containers during pilot phases. * Develop kitting packaging and validate returnable quantities through simulations. * Consider storage, handling and ergonomic requirements in conjunction with operations teams. * Identify and resolve safety and quality issues associated with existing packaging. * Investigate and resolve packaging issues raised by customers, facilities and process partners. * Develop, communicate and maintain supplier packaging requirements. * Audit supplier and internal conformance against packaging specifications. * Evaluate packaging materials, automation technologies and machinery. * Conduct cost analysis of existing packaging processes and recommend improvements. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on damage reduction, safety and efficiency, using root cause analysis and risk-based decision making. * Support supplier visits and joint process improvement activities with packaging vendors and purchasing teams. * Create packaging concepts using 3D modelling software. * Lead low-risk Green Belt projects and contribute to wider packaging improvement initiatives. * Follow the established packaging development process and support the execution of key project phases. About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate: * 3+ years' experience in a similar Packaging Engineering role or closely related industrial environment. * Significant experience within industrial packaging and/or material handling equipment. * Experience designing and developing packaging solutions for manufacturing or industrial applications. * The ability to use 3D CAD software to create packaging concepts and conduct design reviews. * Creo experience is highly desirable, although experience with other 3D modelling packages will be considered. * Knowledge and understanding of global supply chains, logistics and transportation requirements. * Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. * Experience working collaboratively with suppliers and cross-functional teams. * A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, cost and efficiency. If you're an experienced Packaging Engineer looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence change and make a measurable difference, we'd be keen to hear from you