Packaging Engineer

Silgan Closures; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Silgan Closures in Downers Grove, IL, is looking for a Packaging Engineer to support new product development and packaging innovation. In this role, you will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Sales teams to deliver cutting-edge packaging solutions.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 2 years of relevant experience. You will evaluate new technologies, conduct laboratory testing, and support product launches across various packaging projects. Join us for an opportunity to work in a growing Fortune 500 company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in food and beverage packaging or manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of packaging equipment and closure application processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to commercialize closures and packaging technologies.
• Support new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Provide technical support for packaging equipment and processes.

Skills

Strong troubleshooting skills

Knowledge of packaging materials

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Excellent communication skills

Experience with data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

Job description

Packaging Engineer | Silgan Closures - Downers Grove, IL (Chicago Area)

Join Silgan Closures, a Fortune 500 global leader in sustainable food and beverage packaging, as a Packaging Engineer in our Downers Grove, IL (Chicago Area) office. This high-impact role supports new product development, packaging innovation, commercialization, manufacturing excellence, and customer success across our Closures portfolio.

As a Packaging Engineer, you will evaluate new closure and packaging equipment technologies, support commercialization efforts, support customers through product launches, and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Technical Service, Quality, and Sales teams to deliver innovative packaging solutions.

What We Offer You

• Salary range: $75,000 - $85,000 based on experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal plans, identity protection, and more
• Employee engagement programs and team‑building events
• Career development and advancement opportunities within a Fortune 500 organization

What You’ll Do as the Packaging Engineer

• Collaborate with Research & Development, Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, and Technical Service teams to commercialize new closures, materials, and packaging technologies
• Support packaging development and new product introduction (NPI) initiatives from concept through commercialization
• Provide technical support for closures, packaging equipment, and food and beverage packaging processes
• Partner directly with customers to resolve packaging performance, application, and manufacturing challenges
• Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshooting for closure application issues involving aluminum, plastic, and steel closures
• Visit customer facilities to evaluate field performance and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and perform laboratory testing protocols for new and existing packaging products, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Analyze testing data using statistical methods, DOE (Design of Experiments), and Minitab
• Deliver quality, manufacturing, and packaging equipment training to internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in industry associations and technical meetings, including ISBT and related packaging industry events
• Support process improvement, quality assurance, and manufacturing optimization projects
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need to Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of experience in food and beverage packaging, packaging engineering, or manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of food processing, packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and quality systems
• Experience with statistics, DOE, and data analysis
• Understanding of packaging equipment, capping systems, and closure application processes
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Minitab
• Excellent communication, project management, and customer‑facing skills
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, R&D, and customers

Why Join Silgan Closures

• A Fortune 500 global packaging leader
• Industry‑leading commitment to sustainability and innovation
• Opportunity to influence packaging design, product development, and commercialization efforts
• Stable and growing organization with long‑term career advancement opportunities
• Collaborative culture focused on engineering excellence and continuous improvement
• Meaningful work supporting some of the world’s leading food and beverage brands

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.

EEO/M/W/Vet/Disability