Food Packaging Test Engineer

Bright Talent, Inc.; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a detail-oriented Food Packaging Testing Engineer in Pennsylvania. The successful candidate will design, test, and implement packaging solutions that ensure product safety, quality, and sustainability. Responsibilities include leading projects from concept to production, collaborating with various teams, conducting packaging tests, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3-5 years of experience in packaging design and development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging design and development.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand product requirements.
• Conduct packaging tests to ensure performance under various conditions.
• Lead packaging development projects from concept through production launch.
• Stay up to date with packaging trends, technologies, and regulations.

Skills

Packaging design

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

3-5 years of experience in packaging design and development

Tools

Design and packaging simulation tools

Knowledge of ISTA testing protocols

Job description

Our client is seeking a detail‑oriented and innovative Food Packaging Testing Engineer to design, test, and implement packaging solutions that ensure product safety, quality, and sustainability while optimizing cost and efficiency. The ideal candidate will work cross‑functionally with product development, manufacturing, supply chain, and marketing teams to develop packaging that meets both technical and branding requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging for new and existing products, including primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations teams to understand product requirements and translate them into effective packaging designs.
• Conduct packaging tests (e.g., ISTA, drop, compression, shelf‑life) to ensure performance under various conditions.
• Evaluate and select materials and vendors, ensuring compliance with regulations, sustainability goals, and cost targets.
• Ensure packaging designs support food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, FSMA, USDA).
• Lead packaging development projects from concept through production launch.
• Document all packaging specifications and contribute to technical dossiers for quality and regulatory audits.
• Generate technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for packaging components.
• Analyze packaging‑related issues in production or the supply chain and recommend improvements.
• Stay up to date with packaging trends, technologies, and regulations (e.g., FDA, ISO, sustainability guidelines).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce packaging waste, costs, and environmental impact.

Requirements

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related field
• 3‑5 years of experience in packaging design and development

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, corrugate, foams, etc.) and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in design and packaging simulation tools.
• Familiarity with ISTA testing protocols and regulatory compliance.
• Strong project management, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience working in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods is a plus
• Understanding of sustainability and recyclable/compostable packaging design.
• Knowledge of automation and packaging equipment.
• Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement certification is a plus.
• Position will be based out of our PA facility with some travel required as needed

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing

Industries

Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Packaging and Containers Manufacturing