Packaging Engineer (Beauty) - Independent Contractor

Nécessaire; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Nécessaire is seeking a packaging engineer to lead sampling evaluation, validation tracking, and documentation across multiple pump platforms. The role requires coordinating with contract manufacturers and overseas suppliers, writing clear specs and assembly inputs, and driving value engineering projects without compromising function.

Ideal candidates will manage multiple workstreams, read technical drawings, and perform functional/compatibility testing with precise reporting.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years packaging engineering experience in beauty, personal care, fragrance or CPG.
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Responsibilities

• Evaluate vendor samples at each gate for fit, function and cosmetic quality against specification with written findings.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Primary packaging

Secondary packaging

Reading technical drawings

Functional testing

Line trial experience

Contract manufacturer experience

Overseas supplier coordination

Independent contracting

Insurance/tax self-employment

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

1. Sample Evaluation & Validation Testing

Catch fit, function and cosmetic issues at the sample stage, while they're still cheap to fix.

• Evaluate vendor samples at each gate (T1 / T2 / T3 and beyond) for fit, function and cosmetic quality against specification, with written findings
• Run bench functional testing (priming, dosage, actuation force, restitution, seal and leakage) and report results
• Coordinate formula–packaging compatibility testing with labs and formulation, and track results to completion
• Issue clear, specific correction lists to suppliers after each sample round

2. Quality Gates

Make sure what reaches the line is what was approved.

• Conduct PPS / decorated PPS reviews, first article inspections and line trial observations, with a written report for each
• Review finished-good assembly at the contract manufacturer and report findings ahead of approval
• Investigate component failures, identify root cause and recommend corrective action

3. Specifications & Drawings

Give suppliers and contract manufacturers one unambiguous source of truth.

• Review technical drawings, dielines and tolerances against structural specification
• Write component specifications and standards for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging

4. Assembly & Fill Instructions

Make sure every contract manufacturer quotes and builds from the same inputs.

• Write per-SKU assembly and fill instructions for contract manufacturers in Nécessaire's standard format (fill height, orientation, viscosity range, lot code placement, pack-out)
• Update instructions as launches progress, so CM quotes stay built on the same, unambiguous inputs

5. Platform & Value Engineering Programs

Bring two new pump platforms to launch and find savings without compromising function.

• Lead the technical workstream on the airless and atmospheric pump programs: sample evaluation, validation tracking and test documentation
• Test and analyze designated value-engineering projects (material, structure and component changes) and report recommendations
• Work directly with suppliers on sample corrections and tooling adjustments, coordinated with Nécessaire

Required Qualifications

• 3-5+ years packaging engineering experience in beauty, personal care, fragrance or CPG
• Hands-on experience with primary packaging: injection- and blow-molded components, closures, tubes, pumps
• Working knowledge of secondary packaging: folding cartons, rigid boxes, sets and kits
• Able to read and mark up technical drawings; solid understanding of dimensional tolerancing
• Experience running functional and compatibility testing, and documenting results clearly
• Line trial and contract manufacturer experience
• Experience working directly with overseas suppliers (Asia and Europe), including across time zones
• Self-directed; able to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and deliver to agreed milestones
• Able to contract as an independent professional, individually or through a business entity, with their own insurance and tax responsibilities

Preferred Experience

• Airless and atmospheric pump systems — sampling, validation and supplier qualification
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or equivalent)
• Transit testing (ISTA) and e-commerce packaging performance
• Decoration processes: hot stamp, screen print, metallization, spray
• Bio-based and recycled resins; sustainability requirements from major retailers
• Limited edition and collaboration launches on compressed timelines