Packaging Engineer

JCW Group; Arden Hills (MN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JCW Group is seeking an R&D Packaging Engineer for a 12-month contract in Arden Hills, MN. The role focuses on leading packaging development from concept to verification, including thermoform tray components and risk-based testing.

Hybrid work ARRANGEMENT and W2 employment only, with emphasis on hands-on product development and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a packaging engineering degree, recent NPD packaging experience within 3 years, and strong root-cause

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent is required.
• New product development packaging experience within the last 3 years.
• Hands-on experience with thermoform tray components.
• Experience with packaging design verification.
• Working knowledge of design control in a regulated environment.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute packaging development activities for new products from concept through design verification.
• Design thermoform tray components and other packaging solutions aligned to product, clinical, and user needs.
• Plan, run, and analyze packaging tests and define technical specifications.
• Apply structured problem solving to technical challenges across projects.
• Maintain design control documentation, reports, and clear communications.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and partners.
• Mentor engineers and lead project workstreams as needed.
• Ensure compliance with quality system requirements in day-to-day work.

Skills

NPD packaging

Root cause analysis

Design verification

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Independent work

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering

Job description

Packaging Engineer

Home / Jobseekers / Jobs / Packaging Engineer share Posted: 07/10/2026 Location: Arden Hills, Minnesota, United States Job type: Contract

R&D Packaging Engineer
Arden Hills, MN | Hybrid | 12-Month Contract

Please note: This role cannot support C2C (Corp-to-Corp) arrangements. Candidates must be able to work on a W2 basis and be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

About the Opportunity

JCW Group is partnering with a leading medical device organization to find an R&D Packaging Engineer for a 12-month contract. You'll join a cross-functional engineering team developing packaging for new products, owning major pieces of complex projects from design through verification. This role suits an engineer with recent hands-on new product development experience who enjoys solving technical problems and wants to make a visible impact on next-generation programs.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute packaging development activities for new and next-generation products, from concept through design verification
• Design and develop thermoform tray components and other packaging solutions in line with product, clinical, and user needs
• Plan, run, and analyze packaging tests, using the results to define technical specifications for new or modified packaging, materials, and processes
• Apply root cause analysis and structured problem solving to technical challenges, from routine issues to complex problems that call for creative approaches
• Work within design control requirements and produce clear documentation, reports, and presentations to communicate findings
• Partner with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams, along with external suppliers and partners
• Act as a technical resource on packaging matters, offering guidance and interpretation on significant project decisions
• Mentor and support newer engineers, and lead project workstreams or teams as needed
• Maintain compliance with all quality system requirements in day-to-day work

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent
• New product development packaging engineering experience within the last 3 years
• Hands-on experience designing and developing thermoform tray components
• Experience with packaging design verification
• Working knowledge of design control in a regulated environment
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating well across teams
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Contract Details

• Duration: 12 months
• Location: Arden Hills, MN
• Schedule: Hybrid
• Interview Process: One round with the hiring manager
• Employment Type: W2 only. C2C arrangements cannot be supported for this role.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

JCW Group is a specialist life sciences recruitment partner that connects technical professionals with contract, project-based, and permanent opportunities across pharma, biotech, and medical device organizations.

This position is not open to C2C candidates.