Packaging Engineer (permanent or freelance)

As a Packaging Engineer at STICHD, you will independently manage packaging developments from concept to production across multiple international brands. You will translate briefs into solutions that are visually aligned, technically correct, functional and commercially viable.

This is a hands-on technical and creative role covering structural concepts, dielines, production artwork, sampling, validation, packaging data and supplier support.

You are a proactive problem-solver who takes ownership, identifies risks early and manages multiple seasonal projects while balancing design, quality, cost, sustainability and compliance.

Your Mission

• Own packaging projects from initial brief through concept development, artwork, prototyping, sampling, validation, documentation and production release;
• Develop and refine structural packaging concepts, accurate dielines and technical specifications that ensure product fit, functionality and manufacturability;
• Create and review production-ready artwork in line with brand, pre-press and supplier requirements;
• Coordinate prototypes, samples and validation through SMS and bulk approval.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Product Development, Marketing, Sourcing, Sustainability and Compliance to align requirements and approvals;
• Work closely with our global manufacturing partner by providing technical guidance and support throughout the production process;
• Identify incomplete briefs, technical risks, cost concerns and timeline conflicts early, and recommend practical solutions;
• Maintain accurate specifications, approvals, artwork versions and technical documentation;
• Manage packaging information, BOMs and final releases in PLM;
• Use relevant market and material research to support innovation and commercial feasibility;
• Improve packaging workflows, documentation, traceability and data quality.

Your Talent

• You hold a Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Graphic Design or a related field;
• And you bring 5+ years of hands-on packaging development experience, preferably within fashion, sportswear, lifestyle or consumer goods;
• Proven experience managing packaging from brief and concept through artwork, sampling, supplier interaction and production;
• Strong knowledge of structural and graphic packaging, materials, print processes and manufacturability;
• Advanced Adobe Illustrator skills are essential; CAD or 3D packaging experience is a strong advantage;
• Experience working with international suppliers and communicating technical requirements clearly;
• Fluent in English, written and spoken.
• Experience with PLM, BOMs, technical documentation and version control is preferred;
• Strong ownership, organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines independently;
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to identifying and resolving issues;
• Confident communication skills and the ability to explain technical information clearly to different stakeholders;
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance design, functionality, cost, timing, sustainability and compliance.

Please apply in English and enclose your portfolio link.

While we’re recruiting for a permanent hire, we’re also open to freelancers who can step in and support us in the meantime.

This role is based in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. Working remotely from other countries is not possible.

To apply for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the Netherlands. We will not apply for work or residence permits.