Between the demands of EPR compliance and ever-growing opportunities in packaging, many printers are considering adding structural engineers to their workforce. The right hire brings both compliance expertise and the design capability to help your shop innovate. The challenge is that this is a niche role with a small talent pool, and you’ll be competing for candidates with industries that have much deeper pockets.
We spoke with a structural engineer who works in this space to get a clearer picture of what printers should expect when they look for this kind of talent. Here’s what you should know.
Cast a wider net
Candidates with direct print or packaging experience are rare. However, engineers from adjacent disciplines can bring exactly the skills you need, particularly those with backgrounds in industrial design, mechanical engineering, or materials engineering.
On the resume, look for proficiency in tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Illustrator. More specialized software like ArtiosCAD, which is widely used for corrugated and paper-based packaging design, indicates that a candidate has relevant packaging experience.
Know who you’re competing with
Print shops are competing in a talent market that includes big-name brands and innovative start-ups. You may be going up against biopharma and biotech firms, food and beverage manufacturers, automotive suppliers, or large-scale logistics operations. Some of those companies may even be your clients.
The key to differentiating yourself is showcasing what the print side of this work actually offers. Structural engineers who work in print shops get to see their work come to life from concept through production. They get hands-on with equipment and materials in a way that doesn’t happen on the client side. For candidates who want to design from scratch and stay close to the product, working for a printer is genuinely compelling.
Soft skills matter
Technical ability will only get an engineer so far in a print shop environment. Because structural engineers often work as a specialized resource within a broader team, communication is critical. They’ll regularly need to explain complex design decisions to people in sales, marketing, or sourcing who don’t share their technical background.
Equally important is a willingness to collaborate across departments. A structural engineer who stays siloed will miss the cross-functional work that makes this role valuable. Look for candidates who are enthusiastic about engaging with different teams.
A Real Opportunity for Growth
Stricter regulations and growing demand for sustainable packaging materials may be increasing pressure on the industry, but they’re also creating an opening. Bringing a structural engineer on board means adding someone who can help your entire organization deepen its understanding of packaging materials, lifecycles, and circularity. The push toward innovation isn’t a burden to manage so much as a reason to grow.
