Senior Packaging Engineer

Adept Group (Adept Packaging); Lebanon (IN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading packaging company is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to manage all packaging needs for snacks. This independent contractor position requires 40 hours per week for 3 months, with a strong emphasis on flexible films and collaboration with multiple teams. Ideal candidates will have 5-7 years of packaging engineering experience, a degree in Packaging Science, and excellent communication skills. The role is onsite in Lebanon, IN, with occasional travel required.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of packaging engineering experience, preferably in food CPG.
• Experience writing packaging specifications and building BOMs.
• Capable of working in office, lab, and plant environments.
• Experience with corrugated, paperboard and flexible packaging structures.
• Experience writing packaging specifications and building BOMs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the sole packaging engineer supporting all packaging needs.
• Run hands-on packaging development activities including lab testing.
• Develop and maintain packaging documentation and specifications.
• Review and approve dielines and CAD drawings.
• Direct suppliers on technical requirements and manage supplier interactions during testing and onboarding.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues using RCA/Corrective Action.
• Validate packaging systems for distribution, shelf performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support new item development and packaging readiness activities with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Strong technical expertise in flexible films

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Specifications & BOMs

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science/Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD drawings

SharePoint

BOM management

Job description

Senior Packaging Engineer role at Adept Group (Adept Packaging)

Adept Group offers an award-winning workplace for exceptional packaging industry talent. We work on a range of innovative projects for iconic brand owners. Our technically gifted team collaborates to produce unparalleled results.

We offer a great place to showcase your expertise and build upon your skillset. All while having fun with amazing people from a variety of diverse backgrounds. We’re driven, inspirational and most importantly, human.

We offer a flexible, creative culture focusing on 3 pillars - our environment, our communities, and our health and well-being. Join a team committed to building a sustainable future!

The Opportunity

This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40 hours per week for 3 months.

Onsite presence is preferred in Lebanon, IN. Open to candidates located within driving distance of Lebanon/Indianapolis, IN, including Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, and Grand Rapids, MI. Frequent travel (approximately 30–50%, or up to three weeks per month).

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the sole packaging engineer supporting all packaging needs for snacks.
• Run hands-on packaging development activities including lab testing, sizing, FAT/SAT, and line trials.
• Conduct pouch material trials, pouch size changes, flexible film evaluations, and development work on corrugate and Costco display pallets.
• Develop and maintain packaging documentation, including BOMs and packaging specifications (currently managed through SharePoint PDFs and an internal database).
• Review and approve dielines and CAD drawings.
• Direct suppliers on technical requirements and manage supplier interactions during testing and onboarding.
• Troubleshoot packaging issues using RCA/Corrective Action.
• Validate packaging systems for distribution, shelf performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support new item development and packaging readiness activities with cross-functional teams.

Typical Day to Day:

• Run packaging trials on flexible films, pouches, corrugate, and pallet configurations.
• Build or update packaging specifications and BOMs in SharePoint and internal databases.
• Conduct lab work, fit tests, physical pack-outs, testing, and trial preparation.
• Spend significant time on-site in Lebanon, IN performing plant support and testing.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Brand teams on packaging-related initiatives.
• Participate in supplier troubleshooting and technical communication.
• Manage multiple packaging initiatives with minimal oversight in a fast-paced, lean environment.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science/Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of packaging engineering experience, preferably in food CPG.
• Strong technical expertise in flexible films.
• Experience with corrugated, paperboard, and flexible packaging structures used in snacks and dry food.
• Experience writing packaging specifications and building BOMs.
• Ability to work independently as the sole packaging resource.
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner cross-functionally.
• Capable of working in office, lab, and plant environments.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience working as the only packaging engineer in a lean or fast-growing environment.
• Familiarity with snack or cereal packaging systems.
• Experience with supplier onboarding and technical leadership.

Disclaimer:

This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Packaging and Containers Manufacturing

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