Packaging Engineer at Swoon in Champaign, Illinois

Job Description:

Title: Packaging Engineer 1

Location: Champaign, IL (Onsite, 5 days/week)

Duration: 12 months to start with likely extensions (& potential to convert to Direct Hire down the line)

Pay Rate: $26-29/hour W2 + Benefits or $32 (C2C)

Job Description:

The Product Support and Logistics Division is seeking a Packaging Engineer 1 to join the Champaign, IL facility. This entry-level role will support packaging functions across various facilities, ensuring proper packaging specifications, documentation, and process improvements for small parts distribution globally. The position will primarily focus on validation and verification activities, not packaging design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support multiple packaging engineers across regions and facilities
• Confirm packaging specifications (e.g., rust preventative use, correct box selection)
• Validate packaging documentation and recommend adjustments based on operational/logistics impact
• Input packaging work orders and maintain records in enterprise systems
• Monitor packaging applications and submission requests
• Provide on-site support to operational teams for packaging-related issues

Typical Day:

• Repetitive, structured tasks confirming packaging compliance and addressing line-side packaging issues
• 65% office-based, 35% warehouse floor (PPE required: metatarsals, safety glasses)
• Interaction with packaging engineers, category buyers, suppliers, logistics analysts, and operations teams
• Use of Pack-Assist for 3D container visualization; potential exposure to packaging equipment (no operation or physical labor required)

Qualifications (Required):

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (open to Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Packaging, Aerospace, Electrical)
• 0-2 years of experience (entry-level; recent grads welcome)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong communication and decision-making skills
• Self-motivated with attention to detail

Qualifications (Desired):

• Exposure to Creo or CAD (navigation only; no design work required)
• Familiarity with Pack-Assist or Teamcenter systems
• Experience in a manufacturing or supply chain environment

Soft Skills Required:

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to collaborate across teams (suppliers, logistics, operations, engineering)
• Organizational skills and self-initiative

Interview Process:

• One round, virtual interview with 2 Caterpillar managers
• Interviewing top 3-4 candidates; offer targeted within 2 weeks of interview

Additional Details:

• No travel required
• Caterpillar provides all necessary equipment/assets
• Onsite work required (no remote possibility)

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