Packaging Development Engineer | Packaging Innovation Specialist

Role overview

Design and development

• Design primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging and translate product specifications, customer needs, and commercial objectives into practical designs.
• Evaluate materials, structures, dimensions, configurations, usability, product protection, barrier properties, seal strength, moisture resistance, and compatibility.
• Research technologies and trends; select suitable materials and conduct feasibility studies.
• Create prototypes, samples, mock-ups, and proof-of-concept models; perform compression, drop, vibration, impact, leakage, and transit-simulation testing where applicable.
• Optimize dimensions, weight, material use, and structural strength to reduce cost and waste; prepare specifications, drawings, bills of materials, and documentation.

Production, quality, and sustainability

• Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, quality, procurement, marketing, and supply chain teams; coordinate suppliers and external testing laboratories.
• Assess manufacturability and scalability; support packaging trials, pilot runs, production validation, and process improvements.
• Evaluate packaging machinery, filling systems, labeling equipment, and automated processes for compatibility.
• Troubleshoot defects, damage, sealing issues, material inconsistencies, and production problems; investigate root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support safety, labeling, transport, qualification, inspections, supplier evaluations, and product launches.
• Reduce unnecessary materials, improve recyclability, explore reusable or renewable alternatives, and assess lifecycle impacts.
• Conduct cost analysis and value engineering; monitor packaging performance through warehousing, distribution, transport, retail, and end use.
• Set testing protocols, acceptance criteria, and quality standards; maintain records of specifications, approvals, test results, and engineering changes.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables; present concepts and recommendations and identify continuing improvement opportunities.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Proven experience in packaging development, packaging engineering, product packaging, or packaging innovation.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, structural design, manufacturing, product protection, prototyping, testing, validation, and optimization.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, product specifications, packaging dimensions, and material data sheets.
• Understanding of distribution testing, packaging integrity, barrier properties, material compatibility, and shelf-life considerations where relevant.
• Experience evaluating materials, suppliers, packaging qualification, production constraints, and equipment integration.
• Ability to perform cost analysis, material optimization, and value engineering; knowledge of quality, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of applicable packaging regulations, labeling, product safety, and sustainable packaging principles.
• Familiarity with CAD or packaging design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ArtiosCAD, or equivalent is requested as familiarity; sustainability assessment experience is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical documentation tools; analytical, problem-solving, communication, presentation, and supplier-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional projects and balance technical performance, cost, sustainability, and customer expectations.
• Willingness to participate in laboratory testing, factory trials, and supplier evaluations when required.

What the employer offers

• Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits.
• Professional development, training opportunities, collaboration with experienced teams, and access to prototyping and testing resources.
• Opportunities to contribute to packaging innovation, sustainable initiatives, improvement projects, and career advancement.