Packaging Engineer

Kitsch, LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kitsch, LLC is seeking a Packaging Engineer to own packaging from concept to production. You will lead a Junior Packaging Engineer and collaborate with Packaging Design, Product Development, and Regulatory to launch successful packages.

The role requires 3–6 years of hands-on packaging experience, a relevant degree, and strong CAD and ISTA/ASTM testing skills. On-site in Los Angeles, occasional travel, and competitive base salary accompany the package.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years hands‑on packaging engineering experience, preferably in beauty/CPG.
• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with primary packaging for liquids/creams: bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, sprayers, closures.
• Proficient CAD skills (SolidWorks or similar) with clear specs.
• ISTA/ASTM testing knowledge and execution.
• Direct experience with overseas suppliers.
• Project tracking in Asana or similar, and strong written English.

Responsibilities

• Write specs and drawings for suppliers to build from.
• Run the test plan for every package before PO.
• Manage suppliers in Asia, Latin America, and the U.S., including first-article checks.
• Fix root causes of packaging complaints to uphold quality.
• Own project timelines and flag risks early.
• Ensure packaging meets retailer and California rules.
• Lower cost without compromising look, feel, or function.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Bachelor's degree

CAD (SolidWorks)

ISTA/ASTM testing

Overseas supplier management

Asana or similar

Clear written English

Education

Bachelors in Packaging or related

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Asana

Job description

About Us

Kitsch is a certified female and minority-owned global beauty brand, sold in 32,000+ retailers across 92 countries. We make essentials that make you feel exceptional.

About the Role

As our Packaging Engineer, you’ll own packaging from first concept to production, so every package works in a customer’s hands and is ready for launch. You’ll lead a Junior Packaging Engineer and work with Packaging Design, Product Development, and Regulatory.

• Full-time
• 3 to 6 years of experience
• Base salary of $95,000 to $125,000, based on experience and skills
• Occasional travel, up to once a year

What Will Be Your Responsibilities

• Write the specs and drawings our suppliers build from
• Run the test plan for every package before it goes to PO
• Manage suppliers in Asia, Latin America, and the U.S., including first-article checks and line trials
• Fix the root cause of packaging complaints to protect our 4.5-star standard
• Own your project timelines and flag risks early
• Make sure every package meets retailer and California rules
• Lower cost without hurting how a package looks, feels, or works

What Are We Looking For

Must-haves

• 3 to 6 years of hands‑on packaging engineering, ideally in beauty, personal care, or CPG
• Bachelor’s in Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related, or equal experience
• Primary packaging for liquids and creams: bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, sprayers, closures
• CAD (SolidWorks or similar) and clear specs
• Testing with ISTA and ASTM methods
• Direct work with overseas suppliers
• Keeps projects current in Asana or similar
• Clear written English

Nice‑to‑haves

• Hair, body, fragrance, or retail‑ready packaging
• Retailer rules, PCR, and recyclability
• ArtiosCAD, Esko, or dielines
• Mentoring, Spanish or Mandarin, and real use of AI tools

Our Values

• Proactive problem solving. We fix problems before being asked.
• Willingness to sweep the floors. No task is beneath us.
• Pride in our work. We own the result.

Location

Los Angeles, CA. On‑site as needed, sometimes the same day when packaging arrives for approval, so you’ll need to live nearby.

Kitsch is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in line with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the California Fair Chance Act.