Packaging Development Engineer | Packaging Innovation Specialist

Role

Design and development

• Design primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging; translate product specifications, customer requirements, and commercial objectives into practical designs.
• Evaluate materials, structures, dimensions, and configurations for protection and usability; research emerging technologies, materials, processes, and trends.
• Develop concepts for improved function, convenience, durability, and consumer experience; create prototypes, samples, mock-ups, and proof-of-concept models.

Testing and optimization

• Perform compression, drop, vibration, impact, leakage, and transit-simulation tests where applicable; evaluate integrity, barrier properties, seal strength, moisture resistance, and compatibility.
• Optimize dimensions, weight, material use, and structural strength to reduce cost and waste; conduct cost analysis and value engineering.
• Develop technical specifications, drawings, bills of materials, and product documentation.

Manufacturing and collaboration

• Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, marketing, and supply-chain teams; coordinate with suppliers, vendors, printers, converters, and testing laboratories.
• Assess manufacturability and scalability; support packaging trials, pilot runs, production validation, process improvements, qualification, inspections, supplier evaluations, and product launches.
• Troubleshoot defects, product damage, sealing issues, material inconsistencies, and production problems; investigate causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate packaging machinery, filling systems, labeling equipment, and automated processes for compatibility.

Quality and sustainability

• Ensure packaging meets applicable product-safety, labeling, transport, and industry requirements; establish testing protocols, acceptance criteria, and quality-control standards.
• Develop sustainable solutions by reducing materials, improving recyclability, and exploring reusable or renewable alternatives; assess lifecycle impacts and environmental performance.
• Monitor performance across warehousing, distribution, transportation, retail, and end-user applications; maintain records of specifications, approvals, test results, and engineering changes.

Projects and communication

• Manage multiple development projects, timelines, budgets, and deliverables; present concepts, test results, recommendations, and innovation proposals to stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, production efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field; proven packaging development, engineering, product packaging, or innovation experience.
• Strong understanding of materials, structural design, manufacturing processes, and product protection; knowledge of paper-based, corrugated, plastic, flexible, or other relevant packaging formats.
• Experience in prototyping, testing, validation, and design optimization; ability to interpret technical drawings, product specifications, dimensions, and material data sheets.
• Familiarity with CAD or packaging-design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD, or equivalent; understanding of performance tests and distribution simulation.
• Knowledge of packaging integrity, barrier properties, compatibility, and shelf-life considerations where relevant; experience with material evaluations, supplier trials, and qualification.
• Understanding of production constraints and equipment integration; ability to perform cost analysis, material optimization, and value engineering.
• Knowledge of quality principles, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, applicable regulations, labeling, product safety, sustainability, recyclability, material reduction, and circular economy practices.
• Lifecycle assessment or environmental impact experience is advantageous; automation, digital printing, smart packaging, advanced materials, and relevant certification or training familiarity are beneficial.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical documentation; analytical problem-solving, decision-making, attention to detail, quality focus, communication, presentation, supplier management, and cross-functional project coordination.
• Balance technical performance, cost, sustainability, and customer expectations; participate in laboratory testing, factory trials, and supplier evaluations when required.

What the employer offers

• Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits; opportunities to develop packaging solutions across product categories and work with advanced materials, design tools, and testing technologies.
• Professional development, certification training, experienced collaborators, modern development resources, and opportunities to lead improvement and new-product initiatives.
• Involvement in sustainability and waste reduction; recognition for innovation, cost savings, and packaging performance; potential career progression in packaging engineering and management.