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
•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, or 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 your 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 (e.g. 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. At over 700 members, that's a pretty big family, but whatever our skills or our story, whatever the task or the time pressure, we're in it together.
We're one STICHD. 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.
At STICHD, you get the buzz and exposure of working on a global scale with the world's biggest brands, and the freedom and flexibility to find your own passion and follow your own path.
