Entry Level Packaging Systems Design Engineer / Mechanical Engineer - Start Summer 2026

Job Summary

Packaging Engineers work closely with our process, controls, and building system engineers to scope, layout, install, and commission packaging equipment lines for our food and beverage industry clients. Dennis Group is a design build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities. As such, our packaging engineers are involved with defining packaging equipment project requirements, estimating packaging equipment costs, creating packaging flow diagrams, providing onsite construction support, and start-up and commissioning of the packaging equipment. As a packaging engineer, your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Responsibilities

• Developing design concepts, estimates and functional specifications for packaging lines
• Interpreting mechanical design requirements and customer specifications to ensure that all requirements are realized in the design of the packaging system
• Specification, purchase, installation and commissioning of packaging equipment
• On-site construction project coordination and management
• Machine and process design
• Preparation of machine testing requirements and procedures
• Preparation of equipment specification, purchase documentation as well as equipment / facility layout
• Surveying existing conditions
• Creating packaging flow diagrams
• Creating material balance
• Creating packaging matrix
• Creating equipment lists
• Assisting with equipment bid packages
• Understanding size and placement of control/electrical panels
• Creating design basis documents and scopes of work
• Producing basis of design documentation
• Preparation and advisement in manufacturing and packaging design principles including conveyance, wrapping, bagging, cartoning, filling, bottling, case packing and palletizing
• Assisting in process simulation
• Providing construction site support
• Observing rough-in construction compliance and plans, specs, and details (install support team member)
• Assisting in sanitary design and warehouse design and layout
• Developing AutoCAD equipment layouts
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in preparation of machine testing requirements and procedures
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in manufacturing and packaging design principles including conveyance, wrapping, bagging, cartoning, filling, bottling, case packing and palletizing
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in machine and process design
• Researching packaging engineering best practices
• Supporting talent growth within our organization

Required Education Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, packaging, industrial, or manufacturing engineering
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in scope, layout, install, and commissioning of packaging equipment lines.
• Experience working for professional services, packaging, and food and beverage firms is a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office, MS Project, and familiarity with AutoCAD
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Intellectual curiosity and a positive, can-do, team-oriented attitude
• Strong problem solving, organizing, and time management skills
• Must meet Travel Requirement - On-site construction project coordination and management with travel requirements 50%+ of the year

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift-up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel Requirement

• 50%+ travel required to visit project site and other offices.

About Us

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we've focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn't one thing we do, it's all we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.