CPG Packaging Designer

Location: Sterling, VA (Hybrid – 3 days in office / 2 days remote)

About the role

We are looking for a talented and detail-oriented CPG Packaging Designer to join our creative team. In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing product lines. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external printing vendors to ensure every package meets the highest standards of quality, brand consistency, and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Packaging Design, Development & Commercialization
  • Design compelling packaging artwork for retail and consumer product lines.
  • Create 3D packaging mockups for internal reviews, presentations, and client approvals.
  • Develop packaging structures, dielines, and material specifications, including comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs) and technical packaging specifications, ensuring high manufacturability and cost-efficiency across supply chain systems.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams at packaging line trials and production start-ups, actively monitoring machinery capabilities to ensure proper execution of the design and structural requirements.
  • Travel to printing vendors for first-run press checks and production oversight (approximately once per month).
• Optimization & Sustainability
  • Identify, investigate, and lead cost-reduction initiatives on packaging materials and design improvements without compromising technical packaging requirements.
  • Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory, legal, and brand guidelines.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate innovative, sustainable materials into the portfolio to reduce the company's environmental footprint.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management
  • Coordinate seamlessly with cross-functional teams and external vendors to drive packaging projects from brief to commercial launch.
  • Build and manage comprehensive project timelines, effectively communicating milestones, capital expenditure estimates, and associated technical risks to functional leaders.
  • Manage relationships and coordinate directly with printing vendors on structure, materials, finishes, and production requirements.
  • Collaborate with the broader design team to support additional creative projects as needed, including digital assets, marketing collateral, and presentations.

Qualifications

• Required
  • 3–5 years of experience in CPG packaging design
  • Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Solid understanding of packaging production processes, print specifications, and material types
  • Experience creating 3D mockups using Blender or comparable 3D software
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Comfortable traveling to vendor facilities approximately once per month
• Preferred
  • Experience with Canva for internal content and templated design needs
  • Familiarity with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Gemini Nano Banana, or similar)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools including PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
  • Experience in the food and beverage or CPG industry is a plus