Jr Packaging Engineer

Jr. Packaging Engineer

Job Description

The Packaging Engineer manages the design, development, validation, and implementation of packaging technologies and materials that support new product introductions, line extensions, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role supports North American manufacturing locations and collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver cost‑effective, high‑quality, and innovative packaging solutions. The position focuses on driving efficiency, sustainability, and value creation while ensuring packaging maintains product integrity, performance, and visual appeal throughout the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement packaging solutions that include new materials, technologies, and packaging improvements for a variety of products.
• Create detailed packaging specifications from initial concept through to finished printed materials, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Support new product launches, packaging redesigns, and line extensions by providing technical packaging expertise and documentation.
• Analyze packaging costs and identify cost‑reduction opportunities, including pallet optimization and improved container and trailer utilization.
• Lead and support process qualification and validation activities for packaging operations to ensure robust and repeatable performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles to enhance packaging efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
• Evaluate and recommend innovative packaging materials and systems for current and future applications, balancing performance, cost, and environmental impact.
• Design packaging that maintains product integrity, performance, and visual appeal across a range of shipping and storage conditions.
• Provide technical service support to North American manufacturing locations, contract manufacturers, and co‑packers on packaging‑related issues.
• Plan and conduct packaging trials, support supplier qualification efforts, and assist with due diligence for new packaging vendors.
• Develop in‑process control points, testing requirements, and operating guidelines to ensure consistent packaging quality and compliance.
• Champion ideas related to packaging innovation, cost savings, waste reduction, and technology advancement within the organization.
• Serve as the packaging subject‑matter expert on cross‑functional project teams, offering guidance on materials, design, processes, and standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure packaging solutions meet technical requirements, regulatory expectations, and business objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or 7-10 years of experience in packaging engineering or product development.
• Strong experience with packaging materials commonly used in consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments.
• Demonstrated ability to translate concept drawings into technical die lines for packaging production.
• Working knowledge of printed packaging artwork processes and print methods, including flexographic printing, rotogravure, digital, and offset printing.
• Understanding of color systems and print quality measurement to ensure consistent and accurate printed packaging.
• Familiarity with European packaging standards and pallet systems and their application in global supply chains.
• Strong problem‑solving skills using data‑driven and scientific methodologies to address packaging challenges.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of packaging audits, certifications, standards, and change management processes.
• Experience working with packaging lines and a basic mechanical understanding of packaging equipment and processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Packaging Engineering, with a focus on packaging design, packaging engineering, or related disciplines.
• Experience with Oracle or other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems to manage packaging specifications and changes.
• Background in packaging design and production, including exposure to flexographic and offset printing environments.
• Experience supporting the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization in a packaging or product development role.
• Exposure to Lean and Six Sigma methodologies applied to packaging and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to champion continuous improvement initiatives related to packaging innovation, cost savings, and waste reduction.

Work Environment

The Packaging Engineer supports North American manufacturing locations and works closely with cross‑functional teams, contract manufacturers, and co‑packers in a production‑oriented environment. The role involves regular interaction with packaging lines, packaging materials, and printing processes such as flexographic, rotogravure, digital, and offset printing. The position requires the use of standard office technologies, including Microsoft Office applications, and may involve working within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems such as Oracle to manage packaging data and change control. The engineer participates in packaging trials, process qualifications, and supplier evaluations, which may take place on manufacturing floors, at co‑packing sites, or at supplier facilities. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, data‑driven decision‑making, and collaboration across functions to achieve high‑quality, cost‑effective, and sustainable packaging solution

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Delaware, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

This company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Delaware,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.