Product Development Engineer - Packaging, Delaware

Build packaging that actually wins in the market.
At SOLUT!, we're not looking for someone to just "design packaging."
We're looking for someone who can take a customer problem, turn it into a real product, and get it into production -fast.
This role sits at the center of product, customer, and manufacturing.
If you want to see your work go from concept to shelf quickly - and actually drive business - this is that seat.
Why this role matters
You'll work directly with customers to develop new packaging solutions
You'll own projects from concept ? prototype ? production
You'll help shape the next phase of growth for an employee-owned company
What makes this different
Employee-owned (ESOP):
You're building equity, not just earning a paycheck
Speed:
Your ideas don't sit in a queue - they get built and tested
Visibility:
You'll work directly with leadership, customers, and suppliers
Impact:
The products you develop directly drive revenue
What you'll do
Design and develop thermoformed paper trays and plastic lids (PET/PP)
Own new product development from concept through validation and launch
Translate customer requirements into manufacturable packaging solutions
Work directly with customers, suppliers, and tooling partners
Lead prototyping, testing, and validation (fit/form/function, compliance, performance)
Develop specifications and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards
Partner with manufacturing to improve processes, reduce cost, and scale production
What we're looking for
3–5 years of experience in packaging or product development (paper or plastic preferred)
Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred)
Experience working with manufacturing processes and tooling
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Comfortable working directly with customers and cross-functional teams
Strong problem-solving and ownership mindset
Nice to have (not required)
Experience with thermoforming (paper or plastic)
Familiarity with TOPS/CAPE for pallet optimization
Experience with food safety standards (SQF, GMP, HACCP)
Adobe Illustrator for packaging artwork
Who will thrive here
Someone who likes building, not just designing
Someone who takes ownership and drives outcomes
Someone who moves fast and adapts quickly
Who won't
Someone who needs highly structured, slow-moving environments
Someone who prefers working in isolation
Someone who wants to hand work off instead of owning it
About SOLUT!
SOLUT! is a manufacturer of sustainable foodservice packaging, serving food processors, grocery, QSR, and retail customers.
We develop paper-based trays and packaging systems designed for real-world performance - from cooking to merchandising.
We're also an
employee-owned company (ESOP) -
which means every employee benefits from the value we create together.