Packaging Designer (Plastics Manufacturing)

At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions and drive responsible practices towards a sustainable future for generations to come. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our customers and their satisfaction are paramount to our business; we strive to understand their needs and exceed their expectations at every turn. We are a global injection molding manufacturer, producing durable waste and recycling carts, and pioneering reusable packaging systems that reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture fosters personal and professional growth, making us an ideal employer for career advancement.

Position Overview

Do you enjoy turning ideas into practical, production-ready designs? As a Packaging Designer, you will work closely with customers, Packaging Specialists, and our Fabrication team to develop customized packaging solutions from initial concept through prototype and final production.

This role combines 3D design, hands-on prototype development, problem-solving, and customer collaboration. You will work directly with materials, samples, 3D scanners, and our Fabrication team to test and refine designs—seeing your ideas move from the computer screen to a finished product.

Why Join Schaefer Plastics?

At Schaefer Plastics, your designs will directly impact the solutions we provide to our customers. You will collaborate with experienced professionals, work on a variety of custom projects, and see your concepts progress from initial design to a finished, functional product—all within a stable, global organization with a long history of innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather and evaluate project requirements from customers and Packaging Specialists.
• Create innovative 3D packaging concepts using SolidWorks for customer review and approval.
• Develop functional prototypes for testing and customer evaluation.
• Produce detailed component and assembly drawings based on approved designs.
• Revise designs based on test results and customer feedback.
• Coordinate with the Fabrication team to ensure designs can be manufactured and assembled successfully.
• Use EPDM to organize and manage packaging designs and related documentation.
• Create working models using 3D scanning equipment and processing software.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of sample materials and containers.
• Keep the supervisor informed of project status, workload, challenges, and progress.
• Participate in occasional overnight travel, typically no more than 10%.
• Support additional projects and responsibilities based on business needs.

Qualifications

• Professional experience using SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software, with the ability to transition quickly to SolidWorks.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop complex technical designs and drawings.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong project-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• A customer-focused mindset and commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using SolidWorks.
• Previous experience designing packaging solutions, particularly for automotive applications.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Schaefer Plastics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy, marital status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Applicant Data & Privacy Notice: Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC collects and uses the personal information you provide during the application and recruiting process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you, schedule interviews, make hiring decisions, and, if selected, complete offer and onboarding activities. Applicant information may include your resume, contact information, work history, education, skills, interview notes, references, and other information you choose to provide or that is needed for the position. Please do not submit sensitive personal information irrelevant to the role, such as Social Security numbers, banking information, medical information, copies of identification, or other unnecessary personal documents, unless specifically requested at the appropriate stage of the hiring process. Your information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know for recruiting and hiring purposes, such as Human Resources, recruiters, hiring managers, interview participants, and approved service providers or systems used in the recruiting process. Applicant information will not be forwarded to other departments, locations, or legal entities, or considered for unrelated future openings unless permitted by law or you have provided the required consent. Applicant records will be retained only as long as necessary for recruiting, legal, compliance, and recordkeeping purposes, and then deleted or destroyed in accordance with applicable retention requirements. If we would like to keep your information on file for future opportunities, we will request your consent where required. Questions about how applicant data is handled may be directed to Human Resources or to the appropriate SSI SCHAEFER data protection contact.