R&D Engineer - Thermoforming

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

## R&D Engineer - Packaging**Charlotte,NC**Posted: 01/23/2026Employment Type:PermanentIndustry: EngineeringJob Number: 6720Pay Rate: 90000## Job DescriptionWe strive to be Your Future, Your Solution to accelerate your career!Contact Justin Meyers at [e-mail] to schedule an appointment at to learn more about this opportunity!**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 with flexible packaging manufacturing processes including:* 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. Contact us to learn more about the opportunity below or check out other opportunities at https://careers.saigepartners.com/.