Packaging Data Engineer

Propelis; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health-care plans

401(k) Savings Plan

Flexible spending account

Job summary

Propelis is seeking a Packaging Data Engineer to report to the Global Head of Engineering in Chicago. This hybrid role involves building data systems for packaging development and sustainability initiatives. You'll work closely with engineering teams to drive client solutions leveraging data analytics.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and several years in packaging or data engineering, along with strong analytical skills. Compensation is competitive, ranging from $90,000 to $100,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 3‑7+ years in packaging, data engineering, analytics engineering, or related roles.
• Experience with manufacturing, product, or packaging datasets is preferred.
• Strong focus on data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage data systems that support packaging development.
• Lead the creation of a central packaging database.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure timely project delivery.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Data accuracy

Engineering communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in packaging, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Excel

Python

Cloud platforms

Data pipelines

Job description

Position overview

The Packaging Data Engineer will report directly to the Global Head of Engineering and collaborate closely with engineering and client teams. The role will build and manage data systems that support packaging development, sustainability initiatives, and supply chain optimization. This role bridges packaging engineering and analytics by transforming packaging, materials, and operational data into scalable insights that drive decision‑making for clients. Key responsibilities include developing innovative data analytic tools, managing packaging specification data for clients, and establishing the agency as a strategic technical leader in global Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. Creative problem solving and attention to detail are essential for success in this position. As a vital member of the Marks Engineering team, you will significantly influence the future direction of the company’s sustainability initiatives.

This is a hybrid role in Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and client service to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the agency’s quality standards.
• Lead the development of a central packaging database, automated EPR and sustainability reporting across regions, and data analytics tools such as cost versus performance optimization dashboards.
• Conduct research and stay up to date on the latest extended producer responsibility legislation, sustainability trends, and technology advancements in sustainability related to clients’ needs and business goals.
• Identify and implement new technologies, data models, and packaging innovations to enhance the internal team’s knowledge and expertise in sustainability.
• Confidently convey ideas, data‑driven insights, and engineering concepts to internal and client team members, articulating and defending rationale behind decisions and recommendations.
• Analyze and assess global packaging portfolios, including identification of opportunity areas and recommendations for improving recyclability, plastic source reduction, and compliance.
• Enable dashboards and analytics for cost optimization, packaging performance, and sustainability reporting.
• Establish data governance and standards for packaging data structures, naming conventions, and version control.
• Support regulatory and compliance data requirements, document workflows, and ensure traceability of packaging decisions.
• Understand the strategic rationale, design intent, and technical feasibility behind solutions.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes creative problem solving, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in packaging, mechanical, or manufacturing and design engineering or related technical field. 3‑7+ years in packaging, data engineering, analytics engineering, or supply‑chain data roles.
• Experience working with manufacturing, product, or packaging datasets (preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on data accuracy and integrity.
• Strong experience and expertise in Excel, data management, and analytics. Experience with Python, data pipelines, cloud platforms, data modeling, and Microsoft Copilot a plus.
• Experience working with packaging specification databases, including data management and analysis.
• Understanding of packaging specifications, materials, lifecycle, BOMs, PLM/ERP systems, LCA, EPR, recyclability frameworks, and supply‑chain optimization.

Benefits

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $90,000 USD - $100,000 USD annually. Ultimately, in determining pay, we will consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job‑related factors.

Group benefits currently include a selection of health‑care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection, short/long‑term disability and 401(k) Savings Plan.

About Propelis

Propelis is a portfolio of global marketing services and technology companies with a combined legacy of 150+ years, 2,000+ clients, 9,000 employees, and operations across 30 countries. Propelis provides the scale and support of a global organization while preserving the unique culture and identity of each company in its portfolio.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We offer equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.

We strive to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resource Team.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.