Contract Packaging Engineer

Jobtailor; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead shelf-stable packaging programs in Cleveland, OH. Define 3–4 projects and drive them from concept to production-ready specs with strong supplier collaboration.

Role requires U.S.-based supplier network, cross-functional partnership with R&D and Creative, and occasional travel to Cleveland about once a month.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in packaging engineering for shelf-stable CPG products.
• Experience with temperature-controlled or cold chain packaging is a plus.
• Established network of U.S.-based packaging suppliers and vendors.
• Ability to scope and deliver project-based work independently, with minimal oversight.
• Experience partnering across R&D, Creative, and Operations functions.
• Based in Cleveland, Ohio, or able to travel there roughly once a month.

Responsibilities

• Define and prioritize an initial slate of 3-4 packaging projects.
• Lead packaging engineering for shelf-stable CPG products from concept through production-ready specs.
• Apply temperature-controlled and cold chain packaging expertise where projects call for it.
• Source, vet, and manage relationships with packaging suppliers and vendors, drawing on a U.S.-based network.
• Partner with R&D on formulation and packaging compatibility, and with Creative on brand on shelf.
• Bring cost, timeline, and vendor tradeoffs to Operations leadership for informed decisions.
• Travel to Cleveland approximately once a month if not local.

Skills

CPG Packaging Engineering

Shelf-Stable Products

Temperature-Controlled Packaging

Supplier Relationship Management

Project Management

Job description

• Define and prioritize an initial slate of 3-4 packaging projects
• Lead packaging engineering for shelf-stable CPG products, from concept through production-ready specs
• Apply temperature-controlled and cold chain packaging expertise where projects call for it
• Source, vet, and manage relationships with packaging suppliers and vendors, drawing on your own established U.S.-based network
• Partner with R&D on formulation and packaging compatibility, and with Creative on how packaging carries the brand on shelf
• Bring cost, timeline, and vendor tradeoffs to Operations leadership to support clear, informed decisions
• Travel to Cleveland approximately once a month if not local, to stay aligned with the team in person.

Requirements

• Proven experience in CPG packaging engineering, with a focus on shelf-stable products
• Experience with temperature-controlled or cold chain packaging (a plus, not required)
• Established network of U.S.-based packaging suppliers and vendors
• Ability to scope and deliver project-based work independently, without heavy oversight
• Experience partnering across R&D, Creative, and Operations functions
• Based in Cleveland, Ohio, or able to travel there roughly once a month.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in packaging engineering for shelf-stable CPG products, with a strong focus on project management and supplier relationship management. Capable of collaborating across R&D, Creative, and Operations to ensure packaging aligns with brand and product requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• CPG Packaging Engineering
• Shelf-Stable Products
• Temperature-Controlled Packaging
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Project Management

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Packaging Engineering
• Project Scoping
• Production-Ready Specifications
• Cost Analysis
• Timeline Management

Soft Skills

• Collaboration
• Independent Work
• Communication

Industry Keywords

• Cold Chain Packaging
• U.S.-Based Suppliers
• Packaging Compatibility
• Consumer Packaged Goods