Packaging R&D Engineer - Flexible Packaging Innovator

Saigepartners; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Saige Partners is seeking a Packaging (R&D) Engineer to lead the development of flexible packaging solutions for food, beverage, healthcare and consumer products in Charlotte, NC or Elk Grove Village, IL. This is a progression-based role with level determined by experience.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in engineering or related field, 5–10 years in packaging R&D, strong project management, and excellent technical writing and communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Plastics Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of experience in product development, packaging engineering, manufacturing, or R&D.
• Experience with new product development and commercialization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new flexible packaging products, structures and technologies.
• Translate customer and market requirements into product specifications.
• Plan and execute pilot, production, and packaging validation trials.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Coordinate project activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial teams.
• Develop subject matter expertise in key material and packaging technologies.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging materials, and competitive technologies to drive innovation.
• Prepare technical reports, project plans, presentations, and development updates.
• Support commercialization efforts through customer visits, supplier meetings, industry conferences, and training.
• Partner with sustainability, engineering, marketing, and sales teams to identify future product opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Technical writing

Packaging engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Packaging/Materials Science

Job description

Saige Partners is seeking a Packaging (R&D) Engineer to lead the development of flexible packaging solutions for food, beverage, healthcare and consumer products in Charlotte, NC or Elk Grove Village, IL. This is a progression-based role with level determined by experience.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in engineering or related field, 5–10 years in packaging R&D, strong project management, and excellent technical writing and communication.