Packaging Engineer

Newell Brands; Huntersville (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands in Huntersville, NC is seeking a Packaging Engineer to develop best-in-class, sustainable packaging for our consumer brands. You’ll apply AI-assisted concept development, packaging simulation, and Life Cycle Assessment tools to elevate performance, reduce environmental impact, and drive innovation.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in Packaging Science or Mechanical Engineering and 2+ years in packaging design for consumer goods, with experience across paperboard, plastic, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in packaging design and development in consumer goods.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver packaging solutions from concept to commercialization.
• Use digital/AI tools to accelerate ideation, design, and testing.
• Apply LCA methods to improve environmental performance of packaging.
• Validate packaging using ISTA, ASTM, and internal standards.
• Lead cost-saving packaging initiatives through material optimization and automation.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Procurement.
• Maintain packaging documentation in PLM systems like Windchill.
• Participate in technical forums and cross-regional sharing.
• Lead status updates, risk assessments, and recovery plans.
• Stay informed on sustainable packaging trends and regulatory impacts.

Skills

Packaging design

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Artios CAD

Cape Pack

TOPS

LCA tools

Job description

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Job location: Huntersville, NC

Position Summary:

We are seeking a forward-thinking Packaging Engineer to develop best-in-class, sustainable, and consumer-centric packaging solutions across our leading portfolio of consumer brands. In this role, you’ll harness the power of digital tools—including AI-assisted concept development, packaging simulation, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools to elevate packaging performance, reduce environmental impact, and drive innovation.
This role is ideal for engineers who are passionate about design excellence, continuous learning, and making a measurable difference in both consumer experience and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver packaging solutions for new product development (NPD) and product maintenance programs—from concept through commercialization.
• Leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to accelerate ideation, structural design, and testing; contribute to the development of packaging design prompts, automation, or predictive models where applicable.
• Use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools to evaluate and improve environmental performance of packaging concepts across materials, formats, and regions.
• Conduct packaging validation using ISTA, ASTM, and internal standards; analyze data to inform design decisions and improve robustness.
• Lead productivity initiatives by identifying and implementing packaging cost savings through material optimization, automation support, or simplification.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Procurement teams to ensure packaging aligns with functional requirements, branding, regional and operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely packaging documentation, including drawings and specifications in PLM systems like Windchill.
• Participate in technical forums, ideation sessions, and best-practice sharing across regions and functions.
• Lead packaging status updates, risk assessments and recovery plans for assigned projects.
• Stay informed on emerging packaging technologies, sustainability trends, and regulatory impacts.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in packaging design and development within a consumer goods environment.
• Proven ability to apply packaging fundamentals across materials (paperboard, plastic, flexible, etc.) and formats.
• Exposure to digital packaging tools such as Artios CAD, Cape Pack, TOPS, LCA tools, or equivalent.
• Interest in AI tools or automation (e.g., ChatGPT, simulation software, design algorithms).
• Strong communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred:

• Hands‑on experience with LCA software and sustainability metrics.
• Familiarity with Amazon ISTA 6A/SIOC protocols and eCommerce-specific packaging.
• Experience with SAP, Windchill, or other enterprise data systems.
• Experience working with global or regional packaging suppliers.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.