Remote Packaging Engineer - Food & Beverage

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a remote Packaging Engineer in South Africa to design, develop, and optimize packaging solutions for food and beverage products. You will work with R&D, marketing and production teams to bring packaging concepts from ideation to commercialization, while ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainable practices.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in packaging materials, CAD-based prototyping, and experience with packaging machinery and manufacturing processes, all

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Eng., Mechanical Eng., Material Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in packaging design and development (F&B preferred).
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, films, glass, metal).
• Experience with packaging machinery and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with HACCP, FDA food safety regulations and labeling requirements.
• Excellent CAD skills for packaging design and prototyping.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative packaging solutions for food and beverage products.
• Evaluate and select appropriate packaging materials.
• Conduct package testing and validation for performance and shelf-life.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing and Operations and external suppliers.
• Optimize packaging designs to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
• Prepare technical specifications and project documentation.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues in production and supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with food safety labeling requirements.

Skills

Packaging design

CAD software

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Eng./Mech Eng./Material Science or related field

Tools

CAD software

Packaging machinery

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the food and beverage industry, is seeking a talented Remote Packaging Engineer to join their innovative team. This fully remote role focuses on the design, development, and optimization of packaging solutions that ensure product integrity, enhance consumer appeal, and meet sustainability goals. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and production, to bring new packaging concepts from ideation to commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to excel in a remote work environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of packaging for a well-respected brand, working from anywhere within South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative packaging solutions for a range of food and beverage products, considering functionality, cost, and aesthetics.
• Evaluate and select appropriate packaging materials, ensuring compatibility with product and regulatory standards.
• Conduct package testing and validation to ensure performance, shelf-life, and consumer safety.
• Collaborate with internal teams (R&D, Marketing, Operations) and external suppliers to ensure successful packaging development and implementation.
• Optimize existing packaging designs to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.
• Stay current with industry trends, new materials, and emerging packaging technologies.
• Prepare technical specifications, documentation, and reports related to packaging projects.
• Troubleshoot packaging-related issues encountered during production or in the supply chain.
• Ensure packaging compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and labeling requirements.
• Effectively communicate project progress and technical details to stakeholders through virtual channels in East London .

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in packaging design and development, preferably within the food and beverage sector. Strong knowledge of various packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, flexible films, glass, metal) and their properties. Experience with packaging machinery and manufacturing processes. Familiarity with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, FDA) and labeling requirements. Excellent CAD skills for packaging design and prototyping are highly desirable. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with proven ability to work effectively in a remote team setting. A passion for sustainable packaging solutions. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Benefits

Enjoy the flexibility and work-life balance of a fully remote position. Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement provisions. You will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that influence product presentation and sustainability. Join a forward-thinking company and contribute to exciting innovations in the food and beverage industry from your home office, wherever you are located.