Packaging Development Engineer

WellPet, LLC; Burlington (MA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellness Pet Company in Burlington, MA, seeks a Packaging Engineer to advance our packaging portfolio from concept to launch, focusing on sustainable solutions and supplier transitions. You will manage trials, develop standards, and collaborate with manufacturers to ensure successful, on-time results.

Requirements include a degree in packaging science and 2–3 years in packaging, plus knowledge of Cape/TOPS software and ISTA testing methods. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science or related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a packaging role.
• Experience with packaging development from concept to launch.
• Experience leading packaging design with a sustainability focus.
• Knowledge of food packaging materials, testing and pricing models.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple packaging projects with strong deadlines.
• Support launches, portfolio updates, and sustainability initiatives.
• Set and manage packaging specifications and standards.
• Coordinate trials and first production runs with manufacturers.
• Plan, report, and document trial objectives and results.

Skills

Packaging development

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Packaging Engineering or Packaging Science

Tools

Cape software

TOPS software

ISTA testing methods

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

About the Wellness Pet Company

The Wellness Pet Company is on a mission. Every day, we strive to make the best pet food scientifically proven to deliver a difference pets will feel and pet parents will see. We are a team united by a shared passion for pets and the people who love them. As a community of people working together, Wellies start and end with the consumer – always. At Wellness, we bring our best, stay on the scent of what matters most, get hungry and dig deep to uncover new possibilities, and move with agility when opportunity arises. Above all, we believe the strongest results come from working together and winning as a pack. Sound good to you? Come for a walk with us today!

Our Team is based out of our office in Burlington, Massachusetts, where we work in-office Monday through Thursday each week, and remotely on Fridays. Team members must reside within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance from our Burlington office.

The Packaging Engineer will allow growth and development within the packaging team by working with a breadth of packaging materials from concept to launch while investigating sustainable solutions within the portfolio and supporting trials/qualifications.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Take the lead in managing multiple projects while maintaining deadlines
• Support new product launches, updates to existing portfolio, and sustainability initiatives
• Develop and set standards around specifications and specification management, introducing innovation and design to value solutions, and sharing these solutions with our customers and business partners.
• Ensure on-time execution of packaging activities for projects
• Solid knowledge of different packaging structures and applications
• Support supplier transitions for new packaging and/or materials
• Manage packaging information inputs for finished goods
• Support trials and first production runs with manufacturing plants
• Work with and support 3rd party manufacturers and copackers
• Create protocols/success criteria for trials and first production runs
• Properly plan, coordinate, and report each trial, while providing technical support & expertise as needed to execute trial objectives and ensure proper documentation of each activity

Who We’re Looking For

Team Wellie is a group of people who are all in on winning for the consumer and the pets they love. And so, we are seeking an individual who:

• Brings their best
• Stays on the scent
• Gets hungry and digs deep
• Is quick on their paws
• Wins as a pack

In addition, we are looking for someone who meets the following criteria:

• Degree in Package Engineering, Packaging Science or related
• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience in a packaging role required
• Packaging experience in FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) preferred
• Experience with pet food packaging is a plus
• Experience in packaging development from concept to launch
• Experience leading the design of packaging solutions, while keeping in mind sustainability, shelf presence, machine-ability, and shelf life/product protection
• Established expertise in food packaging materials, technologies, and pricing models
• Business-minded, rigorous problem-solving mindset that considers manufacturing and transportation, sustainability, cost, design, shelf life, and sales in our packaging solutions
• Working knowledge of Cape and TOPS software
• General knowledge and understanding of package testing methodology (ISTA/ASTM)
• Building out, organizing, and managing specifications within a database
• Experience with commercialization and managing multiple projects while maintaining deadlines
• The ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Why Wellness Pet?

We care about the wellbeing of our people, their families, and their pets. We treat every Wellie to a best-in-class benefits package, a warm and welcoming environment, and a place where you can learn and grow professionally. More information about what makes us special can be found on our website. The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We foster an inclusive work environment and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

The annual salary range for this position is $86,800 to $124,900, based on a full-time work schedule, anticipated responsibilities, market benchmarks, and organizational equity. Compensation may vary within that pay range depending on the selected candidate’s professional background, experience, operational needs, and other considerations permitted by law. The full compensation details will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer and may include eligibility for participation in a bonus program.