Packaging Designer, Packaged Goods

Institute of Packaging Professionals; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Packaging Professionals in San Diego seeks a Junior Packaging Designer to support packaging design and production across consumer product categories. This contract-to-hire role offers hands-on experience from concept through production.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of design experience and a degree in Graphic/Packaging Design, with strong portfolio and proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop. This on-site role includes potential WFH Fridays and a path to full-time employment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of design experience (internships, freelance, academic, or entry-level) in packaging or related field.
• Degree or relevant training in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Visual Communication, or related field.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design, layout, typography, and visual communication skills.
• Basic understanding of packaging design, dielines, print production, and production files.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong attention to detail and interest in learning the technical side of packaging production.
• Comfortable working with copy, product specifications, photography, and visual assets.
• Ability to take direction and feedback while bringing creative ideas to the work.
• Strong organization and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with AI-generated imagery, consumer products, or packaging design is a plus

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of packaging across seasonal, home furnishings, apparel, domestics, cookware, and hardware.
• Work with and update dielines to develop packaging layouts and designs.
• Create and refine packaging copy, product specifications, labels, and other required packaging information.
• Incorporate photography and AI-generated imagery into packaging concepts and final designs.
• Develop packaging layouts that balance visual design, product information, branding, and production requirements.
• Prepare and organize production-ready packaging files and make revisions based on feedback.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure packaging is accurate, clear, and aligned with product and brand requirements.
• Manage multiple packaging projects and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Support the full packaging workflow from initial concept and layout through final production files.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Illustrator

Photoshop

Education

Graphic Design or related field

Tools

Dielines

Job description

Junior Packaging Designer

On site, San Diego, occasional WFH Fridays

JR Level Role,

Ideal candidates will start temp and then convert to salaried role

Temp to perm, around $80k, or $40hr (w2) to start

Junior Packaging Designer

We’re seeking an midlevel-level to Packaging Designer to support packaging design and production across a wide range of consumer product categories. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity for a designer looking to build hands‑on experience developing packaging from initial concepts through production.

The scope of work will span seasonal, home furnishings, apparel, domestics, cookware, and hardware, giving the designer exposure to a diverse range of products and packaging formats. The role will involve working with dielines, photography, AI-generated imagery, packaging copy, and product specifications, with a strong focus on creating accurate, production-ready packaging.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of packaging across seasonal, home furnishings, apparel, domestics, cookware, and hardware


• Work with and update dielines to develop packaging layouts and designs


• Create and refine packaging copy, product specifications, labels, and other required packaging information


• Incorporate photography and AI-generated imagery into packaging concepts and final designs


• Develop packaging layouts that balance visual design, product information, branding, and production requirements


• Prepare and organize production-ready packaging files and make revisions based on feedback


• Partner with internal teams to ensure packaging is accurate, clear, and aligned with product and brand requirements


• Manage multiple packaging projects and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail


• Support the full packaging workflow from initial concept and layout through final production files

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of design experience, including internships, freelance, academic, or entry-level experience


• Degree or relevant training in Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Visual Communication, or a related field


• Portfolio demonstrating strong design, layout, typography, and visual communication skills


• Basic understanding of packaging design, dielines, print production, and production files


• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop


• Strong attention to detail and an interest in learning the technical side of packaging production


• Comfortable working with copy, product specifications, photography, and visual assets


• Ability to take direction and feedback while also bringing creative ideas to the work


• Strong organization and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment


• Experience with AI-generated imagery, consumer products, or packaging design is a plus