Packaging Engineer

JCW Group; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JCW Group is seeking a Packaging Engineer for a 12-month contract to lead packaging development from concept through verification. You will develop thermoform tray components and other packaging, plan tests, and set specifications for new products.

Ideal candidates bring hands-on NPD packaging experience within the last 3 years and strong root cause analysis. You will collaborate across engineering, quality, and manufacturing while mentoring junior engineers in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent.
• NPD packaging engineering experience in the last 3 years.
• Hands-on design experience with thermoform tray components.
• Experience with packaging design verification.
• Working knowledge of design controls in regulated environments.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating across teams.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging development activities for new and next-generation products from concept through verification.
• Design thermoform tray components and other packaging in line with product and user needs.
• Plan, run, and analyze packaging tests and define technical specifications.
• Apply root cause analysis to technical challenges across projects.
• Work within design control requirements and produce clear documentation.
• Partner with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and suppliers.
• Mentor engineers and lead project workstreams or teams as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all quality system requirements.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Please note: This role cannot support C2C (Corp-to-Corp) arrangements. Candidates must be able to work on a W2 basis and be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

About the Opportunity

JCW Group is partnering with a leading medical device organization to find a Packaging Engineer for a 12-month contract. You'll join a cross-functional engineering team developing packaging for new products, owning major pieces of complex projects from design through verification. This role suits an engineer with recent hands-on new product development experience who enjoys solving technical problems and wants to make a visible impact on next-generation programs.

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute packaging development activities for new and next-generation products, from concept through design verification
• Design and develop thermoform tray components and other packaging solutions in line with product, clinical, and user needs
• Plan, run, and analyze packaging tests, using the results to define technical specifications for new or modified packaging, materials, and processes
• Apply root cause analysis and structured problem solving to technical challenges, from routine issues to complex problems that call for creative approaches
• Work within design control requirements and produce clear documentation, reports, and presentations to communicate findings
• Partner with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams, along with external suppliers and partners
• Act as a technical resource on packaging matters, offering guidance and interpretation on significant project decisions
• Mentor and support newer engineers, and lead project workstreams or teams as needed
• Maintain compliance with all quality system requirements in day-to-day work

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or equivalent
• New product development packaging engineering experience within the last 3 years
• Hands-on experience designing and developing thermoform tray components
• Experience with packaging design verification
• Working knowledge of design control in a regulated environment
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating well across teams
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Duration: 12 months
• Schedule: Hybrid
• Interview Process: One round with the hiring manager
• Employment Type: W2 only. C2C arrangements cannot be supported for this role.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.

About JCW Group

JCW Group is a specialist life sciences recruitment partner that connects technical professionals with contract, project-based, and permanent opportunities across pharma, biotech, and medical device organizations. If you're interested in this role or would like to hear about similar opportunities.

This position is not open to C2C candidates.