Packaging Engineer

Are you ready to solve problems most engineers will never see?Do you thrive in hands-on environments where data, testing, and real-world performance drive decisions?Are you looking for an engineering role where no two projects and no two industries are the same?About Stress Engineering ServicesStress Engineering Services (SES) is an elite, one-of-a-kind engineering consulting firm, recognized for tackling some of the most complex and technically demanding challenges across industries. For more than 50 years, we have partnered with clients in energy, consumer products, aerospace, medical, and beyond, delivering trusted expertise in failure analysis, reliability, materials, and performancAt SES, we stand apart through the depth of our technical knowledge paired with practical engineering judgment. Our teams don’t just develop theories, we deliver solutions that perform in the real world, helping clients mitigate risk, improve reliability, and confidently move forward.Our Core ValuesWe Over Me – We put the mission, our clients, and our team ahead of individual agendasUnyielding Pursuit of Excellence – Excellence is the standard. We deliver the right solution, on time, every timeOwn It – We take accountability to earn trust and deliver resultsThe RoleThis role is based in our Mason, Ohio office and requires onsite work five days a week.As a Packaging Engineer at SES, you won’t be confined to a single product or brand—you’ll work across a wide range of industries, materials, and packaging systems, solving real-world challenges through hands-on testing, analysis, and engineering insight.This role blends engineering fundamentals with practical execution. You’ll evaluate packaging performance, troubleshoot issues, optimize designs, and provide clear, data-driven recommendations that directly impact product reliability, manufacturability, and cost.From concept development through production, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality engineering solutions in a collaborative, small-team environment where your work is visible and impactful.In addition, this role may involve applying advanced modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques to complex systems, supporting more data-driven and predictive engineering decisions.What Makes This Role DifferentMost packaging roles focus on a single product line.At SES, You’llWork across multiple industries and packaging applicationsSolve unique, technically challenging problems that require creative, engineering-driven solutionsGain broad exposure that accelerates your technical developmentOperate in a consulting environment, where adaptability and problem-solving are essentialThis is a role for engineers who want variety, ownership, and impact, not routine.A Day in the LifeNo two days look the same—and that’s the point.You might start your day collaborating with engineers and clients to define project goals, refine designs, or develop testing strategies. As the day progresses, you could shift between analyzing performance data, troubleshooting a packaging failure, evaluating materials, or working directly with lab and manufacturing teams.Some days are focused on deep technical analysis—reviewing data, running calculations, building models, or evaluating system performance. Others are more hands-on—executing tests, inspecting components, or identifying root causes in real-world conditions.By the end of the day, your work translates into tangible results: problems solved, designs improved, and decisions backed by clear engineering insight.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a technical partner to client packaging teams, providing independent analysis and engineering supportPlan, execute, and interpret packaging tests with both technical rigor and practical relevanceEvaluate packaging performance across design, manufacturing, distribution, and use conditionsPerform engineering analysis, including calculations, data interpretation, modeling, and optimization where applicableApply systems-level thinking to solve complex, real-world packaging and performance challengesInterface directly with clients to communicate findings and recommendationsCoordinate with vendors and suppliers to gather technical data and support decision-makingManage project timelines and deliverables across multiple stakeholdersBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical, or Plastics Engineering5+ years of experience in consumer product packagingExperience supporting packaging from concept through production launchStrong foundation in engineering fundamentals (mechanics, materials, data analysis)Knowledge of packaging materials (polymers, corrugate) and testing methodologiesExperience with manufacturing processes (injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming)Experience troubleshooting and driving continuous improvement initiativesProficiency with CAD softwareExperience with modeling, simulation, or optimization of complex systemsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in both independent and team environmentsPreferred QualificationsMaster’s or Ph.D. in Packaging, Mechanical, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical fieldDeep experience in multi-agent planning, system optimization, or operations research methodologiesExperience formulating and solving mixed-integer or other constrained optimization problemsExperience using simulation tools such as SimPy or similar discrete-event modeling platformsAdvanced programming experience in Python for modeling, data analysis, or automationBackground in Mathematics, Economics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Controls EngineeringExperience with predictive modeling or simulation tools in engineering applicationsExposure to labeling, filling, or warehouse operationsExperience working with a wide range of materials (HDPE, PET, PP, ABS, etc.)Consulting or client-facing engineering experienceDemonstrated project leadership experience (PMP a plus)Experience in regulated or complex product environmentsExperienced, tenured engineer with the ability to make an immediate impact in a fast-paced consulting environmentWhy Join SESSolve problems that matter – Your work directly impacts product performance, safety, and reliabilityHigh autonomy + high ownership – You’re trusted to lead and deliverBroad technical exposure – Work across industries, materials, and challengesCollaborate with experts – Learn from recognized leaders in engineering and failure analysisEntrepreneurial environment – Be part of a team that values initiative, curiosity, and innovationEmployee-owned culture (ESOP) – Share in the success you help createWhat’s in it for you?At SES, curiosity is not just encouraged—it’s expected. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your technical expertise, expand your industry exposure, and make a measurable impact on real-world engineering challenges. As an employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, holidays, and more. Compensation is competitive and reflects your experience, expertise, and contributions.Recruitment Process DisclosureAs part of your candidacy and potential future employment, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, sensitive, and client-related information obtained through interactions with SES. This obligation applies during and after your engagement.As part of our hiring process, Stress Engineering Services may use technology tools, including automated tools, to help organize, review, or evaluate application materials and interview-related information. These tools are used to support our recruiting process, but hiring decisions are not made solely by technology. If you need would like to request a reasonable accommodation or would like additional information about the process, please contact Human.Resources@Stress.com. Where applicable required by law, we will provide additional notices if a specific tool analyzes interview responses, assessments, or other information as part of your evaluation.Equal Opportunity EmployerStress Engineering Services, Inc. (SES) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.If you’re looking for an engineering role where you can think deeper, solve harder problems, and see the real-world impact of your work, we’d love to talk.