Senior Packaging Engineer

Institute of Packaging Professionals; Trumbull (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Packaging Professionals in Trumbull, CT seeks a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead packaging programs from concept to implementation, provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams, and advance innovative packaging solutions.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of packaging experience, and a proven ability to manage projects on time and within budget while ensuring material standards, testing, and supplier collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in packaging-related field.
• 5+ years of packaging engineering experience.
• Experience managing packaging projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, packaging systems and performance requirements.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills with ability to deliver on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Develops and designs new packaging for safe, convenient and attractive transport of products. Develops packaging material standards and specifications.
• Evaluates packaging and transporting methods to ensure safety and quality standards; recommends innovations and automation where applicable.
• Develops engineering drawings and specifications with suppliers to maximize convenience, utility and function for product characteristics including safety and handling requirements.
• Designs and coordinates laboratory tests and plant trials to assess technical feasibility in material and equipment qualification.
• Provides technical support to ensure quality standards, package performance, and continued supply; participates in continuous improvement teams.
• Oversees coordination at contract packaging and labeling sites and exterior package design for proper product identification and appeal.
• Executes projects on time and on budget with cross-functional partners; sets realistic timelines and testing plans.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Packaging materials

Packaging systems

Testing & validation

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Location: Trumbull, CT

The Senior Packaging Engineer is a technical leader responsible for managing a wide range of packaging programs that support business objectives and product delivery requirements. Recognized as a packaging subject matter expert, this individual leads packaging development initiatives, provides technical guidance to cross‑functional teams, and drives innovative packaging solutions from concept through implementation. The role requires strong expertise in packaging materials, systems, testing, and manufacturing processes, along with the ability to independently solve moderately complex technical challenges and make sound engineering recommendations. The Senior Packaging Engineer proactively manages projects, mentors junior engineers and co‑ops, and provides clear technical direction to ensure projects are executed successfully, on time, and within budget. This position plays a key role in developing packaging best practices, advancing technical capabilities within the team, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and designs new packaging for safe, convenient and attractive transport of products under a variety of conditions. Develops packaging material standards and specifications. Reviews existing test methods and develop new test methods where applicable.
• Evaluates packaging and transporting methods and procedures to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Evaluates and recommends efficient packing procedures, innovations in packaging materials, and utilization of automation where needed.
• Develops engineering drawings and specifications with suppliers to determine materials and design required to maximize convenience, utility and function based on the product’s physical characteristics, including safety and special‑handling requirements.
• Designs and coordinates laboratory tests plant trials to assess technical feasibility in the qualification of new materials, and equipment.
• Provides technical support to ensure quality standards, package performance, and continued supply of products and packaging materials. Participates on continuous improvement teams.
• May oversee the coordination of activities at contract packaging and labeling sites. Oversees exterior package design to ensure proper product identification, consumer appeal, printing appearance, and production techniques.
• Ability to Execute projects on time and on budget with minimal guidance from manager. Proactively anticipates issues and determines contingency plans. Sets up realistic timelines and testing plans. Works well with cross functional partners to execute projects with excellence.
• Tenaciously attacks programs. Is committed to achieving goals, through obstacles, issues and surprises. Able to change direction quickly if needed. Sets high standards of performance. Is assertive and persistent in project work and communication.
• Seen as becoming a technical expert in packaging. Technical background in Packaging, Packaging Systems. Solid understanding of materials, and packaging applications. Able to solve moderately complex technical issues without support.
• Communicates in a timely, concise and effective manner, both written and verbally. Able to present to V.P. levels in the organization without support from management. Active listener, interactive in meetings insuring POV is expressed and understood by cross functional team members.

Key Must Have’s:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of Packaging Engineering experience
• Experience managing packaging projects from concept through implementation
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, packaging systems, and package performance requirements
• Experience developing packaging specifications, standards, and engineering drawings
• Knowledge of packaging testing, validation, and qualification processes
• Experience working with suppliers and cross‑functional teams
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to deliver projects on time and within budget