How to Become a Packaging Engineer
A packaging engineer is a crucial part of any company involved in the manufacture, sale and shipment of consumer goods. The role of a packaging engineer includes the evaluation, testing and selection of packaging materials and implementation of efficient product assembly techniques.
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Things You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in process, electrical, industrial or materials engineering
Instructions
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Be a Packaging Engineer
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Go to a 4-year college and get an engineering degree. Your safest bets are to specialize in electrical, industrial, process or materials engineering. If you're still in high school, keep in mind that a solid background in advanced mathematics and sciences (particularly physics) will serve you well when you enter a post-secondary engineering program.
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Keep in mind that you will need excellent written and verbal communications skills to become a packaging engineer. It is very important not to neglect your development of these skills as you work towards completion of your engineering degree. If you feel particularly weak in this area, make use of your college's resources to work at improving them.
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Work during the summers or upon completion of your Bachelor's degree in an entry-level job in assembly engineering support. If you're not sure how to find such a position, speak to a career counselor at your college or in your city, attend engineering job fairs, network with your friends, colleagues and acquaintances and applying directly to manufacturers of consumer goods.
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Stay abreast of the latest developments in office support software, and work hard to hone your organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills. You'll need to demonstrate them to separate yourself from the field of competitors if you want the best chance to become a packaging engineer.
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Continue to work in a support role within the engineering department of a manufacturing or packaging company for a period of at least 3 years. If any opportunities for advancement within the company present themselves, apply for them.
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Become a packaging engineer by searching for and landing such a position once you are confident that you exceed the requirements employers are looking for. You shouldn't feel obligated to stay with the company you worked in a support role with if you feel that your advancement opportunities are limited there. Demand for packaging engineers is generally fairly consistent.
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Tips & Warnings
Continue to upgrade your skills by familiarizing yourself with the latest packaging engineering technologies by attending seminars and training workshops regularly.
Work for a manufacturer who will sponsor or subsidize your ongoing training or education.
