Packaging Engineer

About the role

The Packaging Engineer designs and commercializes packaging for solid-dose over the counter (OTC) and dietary supplement products. They partner with Research & Development (R&D), Operations, Quality, and suppliers to qualify new packaging technology and solutions, focusing on quality and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and lead the development and commercial implementation efforts for key packaging projects from concept to commercial launch.
• Influence project direction by providing technical input through the planning and decision-making process, translating fit-for-use requirements into clear specifications and documented tradeoffs.
• Stay current on packaging technologies and convert insights into actionable proposals that improve quality, cost, consumer experience, and sustainability.
• Develop and manage packaging specifications, artwork, and bills of materials (BOMs) through established change-control systems with audit-ready documentation.
• Apply structured problem solving to issues with current packaging, and good technical design practices on new designs to ensure success the first time.
• Interpret packaging drawings and specifications of product to determine physical characteristics, special handling, and safety requirements, and type of materials required for packaging.
• Work with Engineering, Production, Marketing, and Purchasing departments to determine requirements, costs, and feasibility of producing proposed packaging while driving out cost and complexity.
• Develop or manage development of drawings, specifications, samples, and written analyses of proposed packaging to present design for approval and route updates through change control to maintain traceability.
• Conduct machine trials with proposed packaging online to ensure suitability of materials, production parameters, and overall efficiency of materials.
• Partner with packaging material suppliers and vendors to qualify packaging material, resolve issues quickly, and improve performance and sustainability; Coordinate samples and technical data, escalate risks early, and support on-time, right first-time release.
• Advise company and customers on efficient packing procedures, innovations in packaging materials, equipment, and utilization/flexibility of packaging equipment.
• Assist Operations and Quality Assurance in establishing criteria for accepting or rejecting incoming packaging material.
• Assist Engineering with packaging readiness and change documentation; capture consistent, traceable results.
• Record all packaging material specifications on central file.
• Travel to material suppliers as needed (less than 10%).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 4 years’ experience in packaging design and manufacturing.
• Experience in manufacturing, fulfillment, and distribution packaging environments.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Materials Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain techniques.
• Ability to interpret CAD and other drawings, specifications, and layouts and translate fit-for-use requirements into clear, controlled specifications.
• Strong analytical, design, project management, problem solving, basic statistics, planning, written and verbal communication, cross-functional leadership skills, and ability to influence matrixed teams and drive evidence-based decisions.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations while maintaining accurate, traceable documentation aligned with quality and regulatory expectations.
• Good interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills, including clear technical updates, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders and leadership.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills, using structured methods.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills.

Skills

• Ability to contribute to complex aspects of a project and manage projects independently.
• Works independently and collaboratively in cross-functional environments; adapts as priorities shift.
• Knowledge of Materials Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain techniques.
• Ability to interpret CAD and other drawings, specifications, and layouts and translate fit-for-use requirements into clear, controlled specifications.
• Strong analytical, design, project management, problem solving, basic statistics, planning, written and verbal communication, cross-functional leadership skills, and ability to influence matrixed teams and drive evidence-based decisions.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations while maintaining accurate, traceable documentation aligned with quality and regulatory expectations.
• Good interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills, including clear technical updates, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations for stakeholders and leadership.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills, using structured methods.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills.