Packaging Engineer

Job Title: Packaging EngineerJob Description

As a Packaging Engineer, you design, document, and maintain detailed packaging specifications for components and finished goods, ensuring optimal product protection, cost efficiency, and sustainability. You collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop innovative packaging solutions, validate performance through industry-standard testing, and drive continuous improvement across materials, design, and processes.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain detailed packaging specifications for components and finished goods, including materials, dimensions, tolerances, and performance criteria.
• Prepare clear and accurate technical drawings and documentation using CAD tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks for packaging components and assemblies.
• Evaluate and select appropriate packaging materials, balancing cost, sustainability, and product protection requirements.
• Define packaging performance test plans and execute testing in accordance with ISTA and ASTM standards to validate durability and compliance with specifications.
• Analyze test results and real-world performance data to confirm packaging integrity and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with product development, procurement, and manufacturing teams to ensure packaging solutions align with product requirements and operational capabilities.
• Ensure all packaging specifications comply with relevant industry standards, environmental regulations, and organizational sustainability goals.
• Recommend design and material changes to improve packaging efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability across product lines.
• Communicate packaging specifications and requirements to suppliers and verify adherence through reviews, audits, and ongoing coordination.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on packaging graphics and related documentation to ensure consistency with specifications.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in CAD software, including AutoCAD and SolidWorks, for creating technical drawings and documentation.
• Knowledge of packaging testing standards such as ISTA and ASTM and the ability to apply them in performance validation.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret test data and packaging performance metrics and translate findings into design improvements.
• Excellent documentation skills to develop, maintain, and communicate clear packaging specifications and technical records.
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging practices and the ability to incorporate sustainability considerations into material selection and design.
• Foundational experience in packaging engineering, packaging materials, and packaging design, including specifications and graphics.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in product development, procurement, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with suppliers, communicate technical requirements, and verify compliance with specifications.
• Understanding of environmental regulations and industry standards related to packaging and materials.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple projects and documentation streams simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

This role supports a large, global snacking organization with a strong focus on innovation, product quality, and sustainability. The primary site referenced has roughly 400 employees and operates with a hybrid work model, where most team members work onsite 2-3 days per week and have remote options on Mondays and Fridays. The preference is for candidates to be onsite at least 1 day per week, but fully remote arrangements are possible for the right candidate. The environment is collaborative and cross-functional, involving close interaction with factories, offices, research and development facilities, and distribution activities. Modern engineering tools and CAD software are used routinely in daily work. The culture emphasizes growth, continuous improvement, and supporting employees with benefits such as free lunch for all employees and consultants Monday through Friday.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $43.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in East Hanover,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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.