Packaging Engineer

Autumn Harp; Essex Junction (VT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Autumn Harp in Essex Junction, VT, is hiring an on-site Packaging Engineer to guide product packaging from development through production. You will work with the New Product Development Team on testing, specifications, and line trials, ensuring quality and performance for cosmetics and skincare packaging.

You will manage BOMs, collaborate with vendors and internal teams, and drive cost optimization and sustainability initiatives while maintaining rigorous documentation and regulatory alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in cosmetics or CPG manufacturing environments.
• Strong packaging design and material selection knowledge.
• Experience in R&D testing, validation, and evaluating new packaging materials.
• Project management to lead packaging initiatives from concept to launch.
• Ability to analyze data and perform root-cause investigations.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional teamwork.
• Familiarity with regulatory and safety standards in cosmetics.

Responsibilities

• Manage package development from start to finish for multiple customers.
• Coordinate trialing and design pack solutions meeting needs.
• Own BOM, assembly methods, and finish product specs.
• Be the packaging representative in front-end development for new components.
• Suggest internal packaging solutions to operations and R&D teams.
• Interface with customers to provide packaging services.
• Collaborate with vendors on artwork specs and deadlines.
• Report line performance on new launches (Quality, Service, OEE, labor).
• Work with Scrum team to deliver outstanding customer service.

Skills

Packaging Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Packaging Design

Testing & Validation

Project Management

Data Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Company Description Autumn Harp is a specialized research and manufacturing partner in the cosmetics and skincare industry located just outside Burlington, Vermont. The company focuses on cutting‑edge technology. From its origins as a small natural remedies brand, Autumn Harp has grown into a privately owned manufacturer based in Essex Junction with a staff of over 250 people and a state‑of‑the‑art campus totaling more than 225,000 square feet.

Role Description This is a full‑time, on‑site Packaging Engineer role based at Autumn Harp’s campus in Essex Junction, VT. The Packaging Engineer works with the New Product Development Team managing the detailed understanding and transition of package solutions from development to production including testing, creation of product specifications and trailing. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include collaborating within cross functional teams; managing packaging projects from concept through commercialization; and performing testing, validation, and line trials to ensure quality and performance. The role will also involve maintaining packaging documentation, supporting cost optimization and sustainability initiatives, and troubleshooting packaging‑related issues on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the package development from start to finish for a variety of customers
• Coordinates trialing and understanding pack solutions that meet the business and customer’s needs and desires.
• Accountable for Bill of Material, assembly methods and Finish Product specifications
• Be part of the front‑end development team as the packaging representative to ensure new components are fit for manufacturing, including coordination and analysis of filling testing and trials
• Understand and suggest internal packaging solutions to the operation and R&D teams
• Interface regularly with customers and provide exceptional service solutions to packaging needs and requirements
• Work with packaging vendors to ensure appropriate artwork specifications and deadlines are adhered to
• Understands and reports line performance on new launches in terms of Quality, Service, OEE and labor
• Works with Scrum team to provide outstanding customer service

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Packaging Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, with the ability to apply technical principles to packaging systems and manufacturing processes.
• Skills in Packaging Design, including structural design, material selection, and functionality for cosmetics and skincare products.
• Experience in Research and Development (R&D), including testing, validation, and evaluating new packaging materials and technologies.
• Project Management skills to lead packaging initiatives, coordinate cross‑functional teams, manage timelines, and deliver projects from concept to launch.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Familiarity with cosmetics, skincare, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing environments and relevant regulatory and safety standards.
• Ability to analyze data, perform root‑cause investigations, and implement process improvements on packaging lines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented setting and engage with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000