Packaging Development Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Job summary

CPS Inc. is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions based in Appleton, Wisconsin. The position focuses on developing and improving flexible packaging products while collaborating with customers to deliver innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess a BS degree in a related technical field and 2–5+ years of experience in flexible packaging or R&D. The role offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Mechanical Engineering required.
• 2–5+ years of technical experience in flexible packaging or related fields.
• Experience in blown film, lamination, or flexible packaging materials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve packaging products for customer applications.
• Support customer-focused R&D programs and conduct trials.
• Collaborate with teams to innovate packaging solutions.

Skills

Technical experience in flexible packaging

Project management

Communication skills

Collaboration with cross-functional teams

Problem-solving

Customer-facing experience

Education

BS degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Statistical analysis tools

Design of Experiments (DOE)

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]