Structural Packaging Engineer

About the Role

Structural Packaging Engineer

At Blue Marble, we believe in the power of play to spark curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. We design innovative toys and experiences that inspire kids—and kids at heart—around the world.

We're seeking a Structural Packaging Engineer to design and develop innovative packaging solutions that protect products, improve efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and support sustainability goals. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with Product Development, Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, Marketing, and external suppliers to bring packaging concepts from idea to commercialization.

The ideal candidate combines engineering expertise, creativity, and strong project management skills to deliver high-quality, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet business, regulatory, and consumer needs.

If you love fast-paced environments, creative collaboration, and making an impact you can actually see on shelves (and in kids’ hands), you’ll fit right in.

What You’ll Do

Core Responsibilities:

• Design and develop structural packaging solutions for new and existing products, including cartons, inserts, corrugated packaging, molded pulp, plastics, and other packaging materials.
• Create prototypes, CAD models, technical drawings, and specifications for production-ready packaging.
• Evaluate packaging designs for manufacturability, durability, shipping performance, consumer usability, and cost efficiency.
• Lead packaging development projects from concept through commercialization while managing timelines and deliverables.
• Conduct package performance testing including compression, vibration, drop, transit, environmental, and distribution testing.
• Analyze test data and recommend design improvements to enhance package performance.
• Collaborate with Product Development teams to ensure packaging supports product functionality, aesthetics, and brand standards.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Operations to ensure packaging designs can be efficiently produced and assembled.
• Work with Procurement and suppliers to source packaging materials, evaluate alternatives, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop packaging specifications, bills of materials, engineering documentation, and manufacturing instructions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce material usage, shipping costs, and environmental impact while maintaining product protection.
• Ensure packaging complies with applicable safety, regulatory, retailer, and transportation requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to packaging quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues occurring during manufacturing, shipping, or customer use and implement corrective actions.
• Stay current on packaging technologies, materials, sustainability trends, and industry best practices.

What You Bring

Must-Haves:

• Experience designing corrugated, paperboard, plastic, foam, molded fiber, or other protective packaging systems.
• Experience using CAD software (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Photoshop & Illustrator).
• Knowledge of packaging testing methods and ISTA testing protocols.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and package production methods.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience with educational products, toys, consumer goods, or e-commerce packaging.
• Familiarity with packaging automation and manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and environmentally responsible packaging materials.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers and suppliers.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.

Competencies:

• Structural packaging design
• Packaging materials and specifications
• CAD design and technical documentation
• Package testing and validation
• Manufacturing processes
• Project management
• Cost analysis and value engineering
• Supplier collaboration
• Root cause analysis
• Design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Sustainability and packaging optimization
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Education & Experience

We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of structural packaging engineering experience in manufacturing or consumer products.

Where You’ll Work

• Location: Onsite in Ashland, Oregon
• Work Style: Collaborative, hands-on, and fast-paced

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life)
• 401(k) to help you plan for the future
• Flexible paid time off—we trust you to recharge when you need it
• Employee Assistance Program
• A creative, collaborative, and yes—playful culture
• The chance to help shape iconic and emerging toy brands
• Real opportunities to develop within a dynamic, high-growth organization.

A Few More Things

This job description isn’t meant to cover everything—you may jump into other projects as we grow and evolve.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Blue Marble is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.

Ready to build something fun with us?

Apply today and let’s create something amazing together.