Packaging Engineer

The Job

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 appreciate the interest from freelancers and independent professionals, we are looking for someone to join our team as an employee and are therefore only considering candidates seeking a permanent employment relationship.

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.

We Offer

• Our salaries are based on 38 hours per week, but full-time work is 40 hours per week. Instead, you choose between a lot of holidays; 40 per year ór choose for a 40-hour salary per month with still 28 holidays. You can switch every six months;
• Annual bonus scheme;
• New hires (introduction) days;
• Great offer of e-learnings and a training offer for personal development;
• Enough free fruit for you daily vitamins;
• Provided lunch for low cost;
• Choose between lease-bike, NS Business Card or travel by car for € 0,25 per km (>10km).
• 8% holiday allowance, employee insurances and a good pension scheme;
• Employee discount on the PUMA, Levi’s, Fuelforfans and BMW Lifestyle websites;
• Hybrid working. On fulltime basis 3 days in the office and 2 days at home (incl. allowance for home working);
• Flexible working hours, modern workspace and a good working atmosphere;
• International working environment with colleagues of more than 50 different nationalities;
• Wellbeing activities (f.e. yoga, pilates and bootcamp) and an inhouse gym;
• Community involvement (STICHD impact tool);
• STICHD drinks 5/6x per year in the city center of Den Bosch;
• Work hard, play hard. Our STICHD-events are legendary.

About Us

We like to think of ourselves as a family of experts.

Ok, we know what you’re thinking: at over 700 members, that’s a pretty big family. But what we really mean is that, whatever our skills or our story, whatever the task or the time pressure, we’re in it together. Pushing each other, backing each other and believing in each other, always.

We’re one STICHD. And that matters, because this one company does a lot.
 

We partner with some of the world’s most iconic brands to create products that people love. From socks and underwear to swim and fanwear. From PUMA and Levi’s to Formula 1 and Manchester City. From design and logistics to retail and events. From our HQ in the Netherlands to sales offices and logistics centres all over the world. Like we said: a lot.

Why join us?

Because at STICHD, you get the best of both worlds. The buzz and exposure of working on a global scale with the world’s biggest brands. The freedom and flexibility to find your own passion and follow your own path. But most of all, because we care. We really care. About our brands and products. About each package and every fan’s experience. About one another.

We have some amazing people at STICHD. People with different backgrounds and skillsets, perspectives and personalities. Global leaders in their field who always stay curious, grounded and never stop learning.

Does this sound like it could be you? Click ‘apply’ and show us what you’ve got!

AQCUISITION AS A RESULT OF VACANIES IS NOT APPRECIATED

STICHD provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at STICHD and PUMA, and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.

At STICHD and PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience. To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically.