Packaging Engineer

Central Garden & Pet; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with company match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet is seeking a Packaging Engineer in Dallas, TX to design, test, and optimize packaging that meets brand standards and regulatory requirements. You will partner with manufacturing, R&D, marketing, and suppliers to deliver cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions.

The role requires hands-on line support and consumer packaging development experience, with responsibilities spanning design, testing, and implementation across packaging formats.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of packaging engineering experience.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with CAD/drafting tools, ISTA/ASTM testing, and documentation systems.
• Knowledge of printing processes, color management, and e‑commerce packaging standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and balance technical detail with business needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for new and existing products
• Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend improvements
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues (sealing, fit, durability, material compatibility, throughput)
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering on equipment setup, qualification, and optimization
• Support sustainability initiatives, including PCR integration, recyclable materials, and reduced waste designs

Job description

Description

Central Life Sciences is searching for a Packaging Engineer in our Dallas, TX location! The Packaging Engineer will serve as a cross-functional partner supporting both manufacturing operations and new product development. This role is responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing packaging solutions that meet brand standards, run efficiently on production lines, reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and ensure regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has experience in both hands‑on line support and consumer packaging development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Packaging Design & Development

• Design, develop, and validate primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for new and existing products
• Create dielines, drawings, prototypes, and technical packaging specifications
• Manage artwork, labeling, and print proof processes with suppliers and internal teams
• Translate marketing/brand requirements into manufacturable packaging formats

Manufacturing & Line Support

• Lead packaging trials on production lines; collect data, analyze performance, and recommend improvements
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues (sealing, fit, durability, material compatibility, throughput)
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering on equipment setup, qualification, and optimization
• Support CAPEX projects involving new or upgraded packaging equipment (e.g., labelers, case packers, banders, palletizers)

Cost, Quality, and Sustainability

• Drive packaging cost savings through material optimization, light weighting, and supplier refinement
• Ensure packaging meets quality standards, transit testing requirements, and durability expectations
• Manage packaging complaints and execute root-cause analysis with Quality and suppliers
• Support sustainability initiatives, including PCR integration, recyclable materials, and reduced waste designs

Compliance & Regulatory

• Ensure packaging complies with regulatory requirements (DOT, EPA, FIFRA if applicable, Amazon, retail customer specs)
• Coordinate ISTA/ASTM performance testing and ensure proper certification for e‑commerce channels
• Maintain accurate documentation in PLM, ERP, and quality systems

Supplier & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work directly with packaging converters, printers, corrugate suppliers, and material vendors
• Partner closely with Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations throughout the product lifecycle
• Evaluate emerging materials, technologies, and automation trends to support innovation

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in a packaging engineering role supporting both manufacturing and product development
• Strong understanding of packaging materials and processes (corrugate, films, rigid plastics, flexibles, labels, folding cartons)
• Experience with CAD/drafting tools, ISTA/ASTM testing, and documentation systems
• Knowledge of printing processes, color management, and e‑commerce packaging standards (Amazon FFP/SIOC/ISTA 6)
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and experience with root‑cause methodologies (DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work cross‑functionally, and balance technical detail with business needs

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The primary working environment is an office, complete with Engineering tools such as a computer, CAD/CAM software, TOPPS, data analysis tools and measuring devices.

• The secondary environment will be the shop floor, laboratory, machine shop, seminar classroom or off‑site, third‑party facilities.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market‑leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry‑Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.