Senior Packaging Engineer
Department: Package Engineering
Reports To: Senior Director of Science
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Pay rate: Starting at $130,000
Company Overview
Our client is a growing consumer health and wellness manufacturer focused on delivering high‑quality products through innovation, research, and best‑in‑class manufacturing practices. As a family‑oriented, mission‑driven organization, we are committed to improving the lives of people and pets through thoughtfully designed, premium products.
Position Summary
The Senior Packaging Engineer will lead packaging development and quality initiatives across a diverse portfolio of cosmetic, personal care, and dietary supplement products. This role ensures packaging meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and consumer experience while supporting product launches, supplier management, and continuous improvement efforts.
Responsibilities
Packaging Development & Compatibility
- Ensure packaging compatibility with formulations by researching material specifications and conducting packaging compatibility testing.
- Analyze technical drawings and perform tolerance and stack‑up analyses for critical component assemblies.
- Source, test, and implement new packaging components; drive continuous improvements.
- Create finished‑good specifications and establish packaging standards.
Testing, Validation & Quality
- Draft and execute packaging test protocols, including line trials, pilot runs, validation activities, and drop/ship testing.
- Interpret test results and make data‑driven recommendations.
- Maintain quality control documentation and develop new quality standards, including packaging testing and inspection processes.
- Identify and resolve supplier‑related quality issues during launch and ongoing production.
Supplier & Manufacturing Collaboration
- Build strong relationships with suppliers to identify packaging solutions that meet design, cost, and timeline requirements.
- Partner with third‑party manufacturers to ensure adherence to quality standards and alignment with testing expectations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for packaging‑related inquiries from consumers, retailers, and internal partners.
- Support packaging sustaining operations and qualification of new parts in collaboration with Supply Chain.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Drive internal and external processes to support packaging development and quality initiatives.
- Work with cross‑functional teams to identify process gaps and implement improvements.
- Track key quality metrics using customer feedback and sales data; initiate proactive investigations when needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of packaging engineering experience in consumer packaged goods; experience with supplements, food, cosmetics, OTC, medical devices, or personal care strongly preferred.
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of polymer materials and packaging formats (liquids, powders, capsules, pumps, closures, tubes, bottles, etc.).
- Understanding of packaging and shipping requirements for retail customers.
- Experience validating new tooling and component development.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data and assess business impact.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and compliance management software.
Professional Skills
- Strong communicator—clear, direct, and able to explain technical decisions to diverse audiences.
- Detail‑oriented with excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
- Quality‑focused mindset with experience applying core quality tools.
- Ability to work independently in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments.
- Creative thinker with a passion for learning and continuous improvement.
- Willingness to travel (~20%) to manufacturing sites, suppliers, contract manufacturers, and industry events.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
- Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours.
- Walking, bending, and light lifting up to 50 lbs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary plus performance‑based bonus.
- Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
