STEM OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs
Packaging Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in engineering or materials science. That gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and signs your I-983 training plan.
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Supply Chain and Logistics
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers. Our teams work together in critical areas that leverage digital capabilities, technology and operational excellence.
As a Packaging Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners to design, develop, and continuously improve packaging solutions for Aftermarket Parts.
Additional Information:
- This role is located in Morton, IL or Clayton, OH and does not offer relocation.
- This role is 1st shift, Monday – Friday.
- This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules.
- This role requires up to 10% domestic travel.
What You Will Do:
- Design, develop, and implement packaging solutions that protect aftermarket parts throughout storage, transportation, and distribution.
- Collaborate with suppliers, procurement teams, product groups, and cross-functional partners to deliver effective customer-ready packaging solutions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging safety, quality, sustainability, and cost optimization.
- Provide onsite support to packaging and warehouse operations, troubleshooting packaging issues and identifying opportunities for operational improvement.
- Conduct audits of supplier packaging solutions to ensure compliance with packaging standards and specifications.
- Develop and implement corrective actions to address packaging nonconformances, quality concerns, and transportation-related damage.
- Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
- Evaluate part characteristics, handling requirements, and distribution network data to determine optimal packaging methods and materials.
- Monitor packaging performance and investigate quality issues to improve product protection and customer satisfaction.
- Create, maintain, and continuously improve packaging standards, specifications, and best practices.
- Provide customer service and technical support for packaging-related questions and issues from internal and external stakeholders around the world.
- Review engineering drawings, part specifications, and technical documentation to determine packaging requirements and develop appropriate packaging solutions.
- Support supplier packaging quality efforts by ensuring parts are packaged, shipped, and delivered in accordance with established standards and customer expectations.
What You Have (Basic Requirements):
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
- Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
- Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
- Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
- Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
- Packaging: Knowledge of packaging tools, approaches and practices; ability to package products and components safely and attractively.
- Service Excellence: Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have):
- Degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- Internship, co-op, project, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or supply chain environment.
- Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build positive relationships and support internal and external customers.
- Exposure to working with suppliers, vendors, or cross-functional teams through coursework, internships, co-ops, or professional experience.
- Interest in aftermarket parts distribution, logistics, and supply chain operations.
- Foundational understanding of packaging principles, materials, or processes gained through coursework, projects, internships, or work experience.
- Knowledge of manufacturing safety practices and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate information and identify practical solutions.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and clearly share information.
- Experience interpreting technical information, engineering drawings, specifications, or manufacturing documentation through academic projects, internships, or professional experience.
What You Will Get:
This is Caterpillar – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about The Caterpillar Experience and why It's More Than a Job, it's a Career at Caterpillar.
Learn more about what happens inside Caterpillar’s Product Support & Logistics Division (PSLD).
About Caterpillar:
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range:
$81,370.00 - $122,060.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
- 401(k) savings plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
- Career Development
- Incentive bonus
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
-
Tuition Reimbursement
-
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
September 16, 2026 - September 28, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
Supply Chain and Logistics
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers. Our teams work together in critical areas that leverage digital capabilities, technology and operational excellence.
As a Packaging Engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners to design, develop, and continuously improve packaging solutions for Aftermarket Parts.
Additional Information:
- This role is located in Morton, IL or Clayton, OH and does not offer relocation.
- This role is 1st shift, Monday – Friday.
- This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules.
- This role requires up to 10% domestic travel.
What You Will Do:
- Design, develop, and implement packaging solutions that protect aftermarket parts throughout storage, transportation, and distribution.
- Collaborate with suppliers, procurement teams, product groups, and cross-functional partners to deliver effective customer-ready packaging solutions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging safety, quality, sustainability, and cost optimization.
- Provide onsite support to packaging and warehouse operations, troubleshooting packaging issues and identifying opportunities for operational improvement.
- Conduct audits of supplier packaging solutions to ensure compliance with packaging standards and specifications.
- Develop and implement corrective actions to address packaging nonconformances, quality concerns, and transportation-related damage.
- Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.
- Evaluate part characteristics, handling requirements, and distribution network data to determine optimal packaging methods and materials.
- Monitor packaging performance and investigate quality issues to improve product protection and customer satisfaction.
- Create, maintain, and continuously improve packaging standards, specifications, and best practices.
- Provide customer service and technical support for packaging-related questions and issues from internal and external stakeholders around the world.
- Review engineering drawings, part specifications, and technical documentation to determine packaging requirements and develop appropriate packaging solutions.
- Support supplier packaging quality efforts by ensuring parts are packaged, shipped, and delivered in accordance with established standards and customer expectations.
What You Have (Basic Requirements):
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
- Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
- Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
- Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
- Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
- Packaging: Knowledge of packaging tools, approaches and practices; ability to package products and components safely and attractively.
- Service Excellence: Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have):
- Degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- Internship, co-op, project, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or supply chain environment.
- Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build positive relationships and support internal and external customers.
- Exposure to working with suppliers, vendors, or cross-functional teams through coursework, internships, co-ops, or professional experience.
- Interest in aftermarket parts distribution, logistics, and supply chain operations.
- Foundational understanding of packaging principles, materials, or processes gained through coursework, projects, internships, or work experience.
- Knowledge of manufacturing safety practices and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate information and identify practical solutions.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and clearly share information.
- Experience interpreting technical information, engineering drawings, specifications, or manufacturing documentation through academic projects, internships, or professional experience.
What You Will Get:
This is Caterpillar – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about The Caterpillar Experience and why It's More Than a Job, it's a Career at Caterpillar.
Learn more about what happens inside Caterpillar’s Product Support & Logistics Division (PSLD).
About Caterpillar:
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range:
$81,370.00 - $122,060.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
- 401(k) savings plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
- Career Development
- Incentive bonus
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
-
Tuition Reimbursement
-
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
September 16, 2026 - September 28, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
See all 71+ STEM OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Packaging Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Packaging Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Packaging Engineering roles typically align with CIP codes in mechanical, materials, or industrial engineering. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since a mismatch between your degree field and the role can disqualify you from the 24-month STEM extension.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension starts. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment status. A verbal promise from HR doesn't satisfy the USCIS requirement.
Target manufacturers with structured engineering rotations
Consumer goods, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers frequently hire Packaging Engineers into rotational programs, which are easier to document in the I-983 training plan because learning objectives are already codified by the employer.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for STEM OPT employers
Search Migrate Mate for Packaging Engineer roles at companies with verified E-Verify enrollment and active engineering hiring. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility upfront cuts the time you'd otherwise spend vetting individual employers manually.
Draft your I-983 training plan around measurable engineering goals
USCIS requires your I-983 to list concrete learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For Packaging Engineers, frame goals around specific skills: structural design, material selection, sustainability standards, or validation testing. Generic descriptions increase the risk of a DSO or USCIS rejection.
Benchmark your offer against OFLC Wage Search data
Before signing an offer, run your job title and location through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your salary meets the prevailing wage for Packaging Engineers in that area. Underpayment can signal a compliance problem that creates complications if the employer later files an H-1B visa petition for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Packaging Engineering role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title alone. Packaging Engineer positions typically qualify when your degree is classified under mechanical engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field with an approved CIP code. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific degree qualifies. If it does, you're eligible for the 24-month extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Packaging Engineering role?
Your I-983 must list specific, measurable learning objectives that connect your day-to-day work to your STEM degree. For Packaging Engineers, that means documenting skills like package structural design, material compatibility testing, regulatory compliance, or sustainability optimization, not just restating your job description. Your employer signs the form and accepts responsibility for providing the training. USCIS or your DSO may review it, so vague language creates risk.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Use the E-Verify employer search tool to look up the company by name before your extension start date. Enrollment must be active at the time your STEM OPT begins, not just promised by an HR contact. If the company isn't listed, your extension cannot proceed with that employer. Many smaller packaging operations and contract manufacturers are not enrolled, so verify early in your offer negotiation.
What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B petition is filed before my STEM OPT expires?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT end date and the petition is timely filed for the October 1 start date, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working as a Packaging Engineer during that gap without interruption. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension automatically through your EAD and I-20 update from your DSO.
Where can I find Packaging Engineer jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate lists Packaging Engineer roles at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, so you're not spending time on companies that can't legally hire you for STEM OPT. Searching there lets you focus on employers who have already demonstrated familiarity with work authorization requirements, which also tends to make the I-983 training plan process smoother since HR teams are more prepared.