Sr. Packaging Engineer

DSJ Global; East Hanover (NJ); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in confectionery and snacks is seeking a Sr. Packaging Engineer I to join their fast-paced R&D Packaging team in East Hanover, NJ. The ideal candidate will drive packaging projects from concept to commercialization, work in a hybrid environment, and ensure compliance with safety standards. They will lead collaborative efforts across multiple teams, innovate sustainable packaging solutions, and bring strong technical expertise in packaging engineering. If you are passionate about packaging innovation, apply now!

Qualifications

• Experience in desserts, pastries, cheese, or frozen snacks is ideal.
• Hands-on experience in development and trials is required.
• Strong communication skills for diverse team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Drive packaging projects from concept through full implementation.
• Conduct bench-top experiments and pilot plant trials.
• Lead packaging material trials and collaborate with various teams.
• Build strong relationships with packaging material suppliers.
• Explore new technologies and sustainable materials for packaging.

Skills

Soft packaging experience

Strong technical expertise in packaging engineering

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering or Science

Job description

Location: East Hanover, NJ - Hybrid Schedule - 3 days in 2 days out

Industry: Food & Beverage

My client is one of the world's leaders in confectionery and snacks. They're looking for a Sr. Packaging Engineer I to join their fast‑paced, collaborative R&D Packaging team. If you're passionate about packaging innovation, thrive in cross‑functional environments, and want to drive real impact on brands enjoyed by millions, this role is for you.

As a Sr. Packaging Engineer I, you'll own the development and execution of packaging projects from concept to commercialization across multiple Cakes & Pastries brands. Your work will include:

Lead Packaging Development

• Drive packaging projects from early concept through full implementation.
• Conduct bench‑top experiments, pilot plant trials, and full-scale plant trials to evaluate and validate packaging performance.
• Plan, manage, and execute packaging initiatives aligned with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing requirements.

Ensure Quality & Compliance

• Adhere to GMP and HACCP standards to safeguard product safety and quality.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead packaging material trials and collaborate with teams across Marketing, Procurement, Business Development, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality.
• Provide troubleshooting, documentation, and technical support throughout development cycles.

Vendor & Innovation Partnership

• Build strong relationships with packaging material suppliers.
• Explore and challenge partners to deliver new technologies, sustainable materials, and cost‑advantaged packaging formats.
• Generate and execute new packaging ideas by leveraging existing and emerging equipment capabilities.

Requirements

• MUST HAVE - soft packaging experience. Most ideally in desserts or pastries but also potentially in cheese or frozen snacks.
• Bachelor's Degree required - ideally in Packaging Engineering or Science.
• Strong technical expertise in packaging engineering and hands-on experience in development and trials.
• Ability to learn quickly, operate independently, and drive solutions proactively.
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills, especially when working across diverse technical and commercial teams.

If interested, please apply in!