Packaging Development Engineer

CPS, Inc.; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

401k plan

Job summary

CPS, Inc. located in Appleton, Wisconsin is seeking a Flexible Packaging Engineer to develop innovative packaging solutions. You will support customer-focused R&D programs and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, ensuring product optimization and performance testing.

The role requires a BS degree in Engineering or a related technical field, along with 2-5+ years of relevant experience. The position offers competitive salary and benefits along with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years of technical experience in flexible packaging, packaging R&D, manufacturing, or process development.
• Experience with blown film, lamination, pouching, and flexible packaging materials.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and Lean methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve flexible packaging products and processes.
• Support customer-focused R&D programs.
• Conduct production trials and laboratory testing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering and Operations.

Skills

Technical experience in flexible packaging

Knowledge of polymer/material properties

Project management skills

Collaboration skills

Education

BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field

Job description

Base salary $75,000-$110,000.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, 401k.

Global leader in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions with a strong focus on R&D, advanced materials, and recyclable packaging technologies. Offers a collaborative technical environment, cutting‑edge innovation facilities, strong customer interaction, and excellent long‑term career growth opportunities within a growing international organization.

Job Duties

• Develop and improve flexible packaging products and processes for customer applications
• Support customer‑focused R&D programs involving material enhancements, applications development, and cost optimization initiatives
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to identify technical needs and deliver innovative packaging solutions
• Conduct production trials, laboratory testing, and equipment trials to evaluate packaging performance
• Apply DOE, statistical analysis, and problem‑solving tools to troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize products
• Support sustainable and recyclable packaging development initiatives
• Work with suppliers to evaluate new materials and technologies
• Assist with quality issue resolution, including packaging performance and adhesive or material concerns
• Contribute to innovation pipeline and Stage Gate development programs
• Develop technical specifications, documentation, reports, and project updates
• Learn and apply risk management principles and intellectual property processes
• Build strong customer relationships through onsite visits, presentations, and technical support
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and commercial teams to support product commercialization

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
• 2-5+ years of technical experience in flexible packaging, packaging R&D, manufacturing, or process development
• Experience with blown film, lamination, pouching, flexible packaging materials, or related converting technologies
• Knowledge of polymer/material properties and packaging performance testing
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, Lean methodologies, and scientific problem‑solving approaches
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Customer‑facing experience or ability to work directly with customers and suppliers
• Strong collaboration skills with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and cross‑functional teams
• Positive attitude, curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn
• Ability to travel up to 25% for customer visits and production trials
• If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Tory Mack at [e-mail]