Senior Packaging Engineer

Proclinical Staffing; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Proclinical Staffing is looking for a Senior Packaging Engineer to shape future packaging strategies in New Jersey. This hybrid role involves leading early-stage packaging innovation, managing a pipeline of opportunities, and working closely with technical teams to develop solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field, with 3-6 years of experience. Key responsibilities include conducting lab testing and engaging with suppliers to explore new materials and technologies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, materials development, or related R&D roles.
• Strong understanding of packaging within regulated environments (FDA, EPA).
• Ability to lead innovation and concept exploration in packaging.

Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage packaging innovation and concept exploration.
• Maintain a pipeline of packaging innovation opportunities.
• Develop concepts, mockups, and prototypes for packaging solutions.
• Conduct lab testing to assess technical viability.

Skills

Packaging materials knowledge

Research and development

Innovation-focused experience

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Packaging Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, you will play a critical role in shaping future‑state packaging strategies and platforms by exploring novel materials, formats, and technologies that enable differentiated product concepts. You will connect customer and market insights with early‑stage technical exploration to inform differentiated, future‑ready packaging platforms, while setting a high standard for innovation rigor, accountability, and creative problem‑solving within Discovery & Innovation.

The position is based in New Jersey in a hybrid work environment – 4 days per week onsite.

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited program. Advanced degree preferred
• Working knowledge of packaging materials, formats, and systems
• Understanding of early‑stage research, feasibility, and platform development
• Awareness of packaging considerations within regulated environments (FDA, EPA, medical device, pharmaceutical, or consumer healthcare)
• Familiarity with emerging materials, sustainability considerations, and packaging innovation trends
• 3–6 years of experience in packaging engineering, materials development, or innovation‑focused R&D roles

The Senior Packaging Engineer will

• Lead early‑stage packaging innovation and concept exploration in support of future‑state platforms and pipeline creation
• Maintain a pipeline of short‑, mid‑, and long‑term packaging innovation opportunities aligned to strategic priorities
• Identify white‑space opportunities through technology scouting, market insight, and competitive benchmarking
• Apply strategic thinking with commercial awareness to prioritize innovation opportunities with long‑term value potential
• Translate consumer insights, customer feedback (when appropriate), and market trends into differentiated technical packaging solutions
• Develop early concepts, mockups, and prototypes to evaluate feasibility, differentiation, and scalability
• Conduct early‑stage lab testing, including fast‑fail and proof‑of‑concept evaluations, to rapidly assess technical viability
• Integrate packaging considerations into early research and platform development through close collaboration with Discovery & Innovation scientists and engineers
• Engage suppliers, partners, and academic collaborators to explore novel packaging materials, formats, and systems
• Attend trade shows and industry events to source emerging packaging technologies and innovation opportunities

If you are having difficulty in applying or if you have any questions, please contact Phu Huynh at ([phone] or [e-mail].

Proclinical Staffing is an equal opportunity employer.