R&D Engineer - Packaging

Saigepartners; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Saige Partners seeks an experienced Packaging (R&D) Engineer to lead the development of innovative flexible packaging solutions for food, beverage, healthcare and consumer products. The role is progression-based based on experience and business needs, with onsite locations in Charlotte, NC or Elk Grove Village, IL.

The ideal candidate will drive technical development, translate market needs into specifications, and manage pilot and production validation trials while collaborating across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in 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, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of new flexible packaging products, structures, and technologies.
• Translate customer and market requirements into product specifications and engineered solutions.
• 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

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Packaging / Materials Science / Polymer Science / Plastics Engineering

Job description

Packaging (R&D) Engineer – Flexible Packaging

Location: Charlotte, NC or Elk Grove Village, IL (Onsite)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Packaging (R&D) Engineer to lead the development of innovative flexible packaging solutions for customers across the food, beverage, healthcare, and consumer products industries. This is a progression-based position, with level determined by experience and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of new flexible packaging products, structures, and technologies.
• Translate customer and market requirements into product specifications and engineered solutions.
• 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.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Plastics Engineering, or a 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 simultaneously.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Blown film extrusion
• Extrusion coating and laminating
• Rotogravure or flexographic printing
• Pouch converting Form/Fill/Seal equipment
• Knowledge of packaging materials including: Experience with retort or hot-fill packaging applications.
• Industry experience supporting food, pet food, dairy, coffee, frozen foods, healthcare, or personal care packaging.

Saige Partners, one of the fastest growing technology and talent companies in the Midwest, believes in people with a passion to help them succeed. We are in the business of helping professionals Build Careers, Not Jobs. Saige Partners believes employees are the most valuable asset to building a thriving and successful company culture.