Packaging Engineer

David Protein; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity opportunity

100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance

401(k) with 4% match

Covered gym expenses

Substantial and required PTO

Job summary

A growing food brand in New York is seeking a Packaging Engineer to enhance packaging across its product line. The role involves development, execution, and optimization of packaging strategies, coordinating with co-manufacturers, and ensuring materials efficiency. Ideal candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering and show strong project management skills. The position offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 – $135,000 per year along with substantial benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in packaging engineering within CPG, food, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience working with flexible film, folding cartons, and corrugated packaging formats.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of packaging across various formats.
• Act as a key point of contact with co-manufacturers on packaging execution.
• Evaluate materials and structures across flexible film, cartons, and corrugated formats.

Skills

Packaging Engineering

Project Management

Attention to Detail

Troubleshooting

Tools

Structural Design Tools

Flowwrappers

Cartoners

Job description

Company: David creates tools to increase muscle and decrease fat. Our first product is a protein bar. More broadly, David is a platform to develop high‑protein, low‑calorie, blood‑sugar‑friendly foods that are craveable.

This is a rare opportunity to join a breakout food brand at a pivotal stage of growth. Led by CEO Peter Rahal, Cofounder and Former CEO of RXBAR, David is working to become the leading consumer food brand focused on high‑protein foods in North America and beyond.

The Role

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to support the development, execution, and continuous improvement of packaging across our product portfolio.

As we scale across retail, e‑commerce, and new product categories, packaging is a critical lever—impacting product performance, customer experience, and cost. This role will focus on owning day‑to‑day packaging execution, working closely with co‑manufacturers and suppliers, and helping build scalable systems and processes over time.

Key Responsibilities

1. Packaging Development & Execution

• Support development and optimization of packaging across formats including flexible film, cartons, corrugated cases, and D2C packaging
• Own dieline updates, version control, and packaging specifications to ensure accuracy and alignment across teams
• Partner with Creative to ensure packaging structures align with artwork, print requirements, and brand standards
• Assist in validating packaging performance on production lines and during transit

2. Co‑Manufacturer & Supplier Coordination

• Act as a key point of contact with co‑manufacturers on packaging‑related execution and troubleshooting
• Coordinate with OEM equipment partners to support packaging performance on flowrappers, cartoners, and related equipment
• Help identify and resolve packaging‑related production issues impacting throughput, yield, or quality
• Manage communication with packaging suppliers on timelines, specs, and sample development

3. Materials & Structural Engineering Support

• Assist in evaluating materials and structures across flexible film, cartons, and corrugated formats
• Support testing initiatives including drop tests, transit testing, and packaging validation
• Help ensure packaging is right‑sized, cost‑efficient, and compatible with manufacturing processes
• Maintain accurate records of packaging specs, materials, and performance data

4. D2C & Cold Chain Packaging

• Support development and execution of D2C packaging for frozen and perishable products
• Assist in coordinating cold chain testing, including shipper performance and insulation specifications
• Work cross‑functionally with logistics and fulfillment teams to ensure packaging performs reliably in transit
• Help track performance and identify opportunities to improve customer experience

5. Supplier Management & Continuous Improvement

• Support supplier sourcing efforts, including gathering quotes, samples, and timelines
• Help maintain supplier documentation, pricing data, and specifications
• Identify opportunities for material efficiency, cost savings, and process improvements
• Contribute to building a more scalable and resilient packaging supply base over time

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in packaging engineering within CPG, food, or manufacturing environments
• Experience working with flexible film, folding cartons, and corrugated packaging formats
• Familiarity with co‑manufacturing environments and how packaging performs on production lines
• Exposure to packaging equipment (e.g., flowwrappers, cartoners) is a plus
• Experience with structural design tools and strong attention to detail in specifications and version control
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and work cross‑functionally with suppliers and internal teams
• Self‑starter comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Interest in growing into a more senior technical or leadership role

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $100,000 – $135,000 per year, inclusive of cash bonus based on attainment of company targets
• Company equity opportunity
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• 401(k) with 4% match
• Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses
• Substantial and required PTO