Packaging Engineer

The LaSalle Network; Bellwood (IL); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The LaSalle Network is partnering with a fast-growing food manufacturer in Chicago to recruit a Packaging Engineer. You will lead packaging initiatives from concept through commercialization on high-speed lines, delivering cost savings and sustainability impacts.

Hybrid role with three days onsite. Compensation is $50-$55 per hour, with opportunities to influence multiple plants and business units across the network.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of packaging engineering experience in CPG/food industry is a strong plus.
• Proven project management with packaging validation and qualification experience.
• Hands-on knowledge of rigid plastics, flexible films, corrugated and labeling.
• GMP standards and packaging material processing knowledge.
• Strong collaboration with marketing, R&D, procurement, manufacturing.
• Experience using TOPS or CAPE, SAP and MS Office.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering/Packaging Science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-million-dollar, cross-functional packaging projects across plants and units.
• Drive planning, qualification, and execution of new packaging systems from materials to equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, marketing, and supply chain to optimize designs for cost and sustainability.
• Translate findings into clear leadership recommendations.
• Develop and maintain technical specs for packaging materials used in high-speed manufacturing.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to enhance quality and reduce costs.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Project management

Packaging materials

GMP knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BSc in Packaging Engineering/Packaging Science

Tools

TOPS/CAPE

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Packaging Engineer (162268) Bellwood, Illinois

Salary: USD50 - USD55 per hour

LaSalle Network is excited to partner with a fast-growing, industry-leading food manufacturer inChicago, known for bringing beloved snacks to life. As they expand and innovate, we’re seeking a Packaging Engineer to take their packaging designs from concept to commercialization—ensuring every product not only delights consumers but moves seamlessly through high-speed manufacturing lines.

This is a hybrid role (3 days onsite)where you will be bringing your ideas and expertise to life on a global scale. The compensation range for this role is $50-55/hr.

What You’ll Do as a Packaging Engineer

• Lead the way on multi-million-dollar, cross-functional packaging projects impacting multiple plants and business units.
• Flexible Film packaging experience
• Drive planning, qualification, and execution of new primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems, from materials to equipment integration.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams to optimize designs for cost savings, efficiency, changeover reduction, and sustainability.
• Translate findings and innovations into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain technical specifications for packaging materials used in high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities that enhance quality, reduce costs, and elevate customer satisfaction.

What You Bring as a Packaging Engineer

• 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering—CPG/food industry experience is a strong plus.
• Proven project management skills, with a track record of packaging validation and qualification success.
• Hands-on knowledge of rigid plastics, flexible films, corrugated, paperboard, and labeling in various distribution environments.
• Working understanding of GMP standards and packaging material processing specifications.
• Strong collaboration skills—able to partner with marketing, sales, R&D, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and graphics teams.
• Experience with TOPS or CAPE shipper/palletization software, SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, or related discipline.

Why This Role?

• Be part of a high-impact team shaping the future of packaging for some of the most recognized brands in the market.
• Gain exposure to global operations with travel opportunities and cross-functional collaboration.
• Work in a growth-focused environment with cutting-edge packaging technology and the resources to make your ideas a reality.
• Opportunity for long-term career growth—this role is designed to evolve with the company’s expanding footprint.
• Compensation: $50-55 per hour
• Location: Chicago
• Work Model: Hybrid
• Benefits:LaSalle Network consultants are eligible to enroll in benefits. For details, visithttps://www.thelasallenetwork.com/consultants/