Packaging Engineer

Packfora; New Jersey; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Packfora is seeking a hands-on Packaging Engineer to support packaging development and commercialization initiatives across R&D, Manufacturing, and Operations. The role combines development, project management, trials, supplier coordination, and manufacturing support for food or beverage packaging.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years in packaging engineering with both rigid and flexible packaging experience, strong analytical skills, and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in packaging, mechanical, chemical or related engineering field.
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Responsibilities

• Manage multiple packaging projects from concept through implementation, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards.
• Demonstrate creativity in development of packaging systems and promote innovation across suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor and troubleshoot issues during development and production phases to maintain project timelines.
• Oversee packaging specifications ensuring regulatory, safety, and sustainability compliance.
• Build relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality materials and services.
• Report progress to stakeholders with clear updates and actionable insights.
• Organize and conduct trials in multiple locations.
• Work with rigid and flexible materials from ideation to commercialization.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives for clients.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Creative problem-solving

Design thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Verbal and written communication

Autonomy / self-starter

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in packaging, mechanical, chemical or related engineering

Master's degree preferred in science or engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

CAPE

TOPS

Job description

We are looking for a hands-on Packaging Engineer to support packaging development and commercialization initiatives across Research & Development, Manufacturing, and Operations.

This role combines packaging development, project management, technical problem-solving, trials, supplier coordination, and manufacturing support. The ideal candidate will bring strong packaging engineering fundamentals, preferably within the food or beverage industry, and be comfortable managing multiple projects from concept through commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple packaging projects from concept through implementation, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards.
• Demonstrate creativity in the development of packaging systems. Promote the spirit of innovation across different networks, including suppliers, the internal technical community, and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor and troubleshoot issues during development and production phases, implementing solutions to maintain project timelines.
• Oversee packaging specifications, ensuring compliance with regulatory, safety, and sustainability requirements.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and partners to secure high-quality materials and services.
• Track and report project progress to stakeholders, providing clear updates and actionable insights.
• Organize and conduct trials in multiple locations.
• Work on the ins and outs of other client programs as the business sees fit.
• Work with rigid and flexible materials from ideation through commercialization.
• Report to the client on a monthly basis regarding the overall status of project work.
• Lead and deliver cost-saving initiatives for clients.
• Provide technical rigor on projects that demonstrates confidence in the subject.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in science or engineering is preferred, including Packaging, Mechanical, Chemical, or a related engineering science.
• 3-5 years of experience in a packaging engineering field, with rigid and flexible packaging experience.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data and trends into actionable strategies.
• Creative problem-solver with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of design-thinking principles and their application to the innovation process.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and CAPE or TOPS.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams involving Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, and Manufacturing in the development of new products.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and make risk-based decisions.
• Excellent business skills with an understanding of the levers of R&I in brand P&Ls.
• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and bring new, unsolicited ideas and solutions to the table.