Packaging Engineer

Job Title: Packaging Engineer Job Description This role focuses on developing, qualifying, and optimizing food packaging solutions that balance sustainability, performance, and cost while supporting large-scale consumer packaged goods operations. The Packaging Engineer leads material qualifications, supports packaging equipment and process optimization, and ensures that packaging designs meet technical, regulatory, and quality requirements from concept through commercialization. The position works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver packaging initiatives that improve transit efficiency, protect product quality, and enhance consumer experience across a broad portfolio of brands. Responsibilities Lead material qualification activities for flexible films, semi-rigid polymer trays, closures, paperboard, corrugate, and related packaging substrates. Develop and optimize food packaging materials with a focus on sustainability, mechanical strength, coefficient of friction, additives, certifications, and barrier properties. Support and optimize food packaging equipment, including horizontal flow wrappers, vertical baggers, denesters, conveyors, cartoners, and case packing systems. Design packaging for efficient transit and distribution, ensuring product protection, palletization efficiency, and cost-effective logistics. Plan and execute design of experiments, sampling plans, and statistical analyses to evaluate packaging performance and process capability. Develop and implement transit testing protocols and interpret results to refine packaging designs and specifications. Create, manage, and execute technical plant trial protocols at pilot plants, OEM facilities, and manufacturing sites, including preparation, on-site leadership, and post-trial reporting. Prepare clear technical documentation, including trial reports, specifications, and packaging standards, and ensure all documentation is complete and up to date. Obtain, organize, and maintain information in product lifecycle management systems to eliminate gaps in packaging documentation. Manage graphics approval processes using appropriate software tools, ensuring accuracy of artwork, die lines, and packaging layouts. Use product lifecycle management software such as SAP PLM or similar systems to manage packaging data, specifications, and change control. Collaborate effectively on cross-functional teams, partnering with R&D, operations, procurement, quality, marketing, and supply chain to deliver packaging initiatives. Work independently under the guidance of a manager to plan, prioritize, and deliver multiple projects and tasks within agreed timelines. Communicate effectively in verbal and written form, including technical reports, specifications, and non-technical business communications for stakeholders at all levels. Influence senior and cross-functional stakeholders by presenting data-driven recommendations and clear technical rationales. Apply critical thinking to proactively identify packaging-related issues, develop practical solutions, and drive implementation. Interpret and analyze experimental and operational data using fundamental technical principles to reach clear, actionable conclusions. Support the development, trials, and commercialization of new and existing packaging initiatives from concept through launch. Manage projects within cross-functional teams, including planning, scheduling, risk assessment, and progress tracking. Contribute to continuous improvement of packaging processes, specifications, and tools, including specification management systems such as SAP, PLM, or CAPE Pack. Essential Skills Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Science, Engineering, or a closely related technical field. 4+ years of experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) packaging, with a strong preference for experience in food packaging. Hands-on experience with flexible, rigid, paperboard, and corrugated packaging materials. Demonstrated experience in development, trials, and commercialization of packaging initiatives in a manufacturing or CPG environment. Proficiency in material qualification for packaging, including flexible films, semi-rigid trays, closures, and related substrates. Knowledge of food packaging materials, including sustainability considerations, strength, coefficient of friction, additives, certifications, and barrier properties. Experience working with food packaging equipment such as horizontal flow wrappers, vertical baggers, denesters, conveyors, cartoners, and case packing equipment. Experience with technical scoping of packaging projects and defining clear requirements and success criteria. Proficiency with specification management systems such as SAP, PLM platforms, or CAPE Pack. Experience creating and managing technical specifications, including die lines, artwork processes, and mockups. Strong planning and project management abilities, including managing multiple priorities and timelines. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills applied to packaging materials, equipment, and processes. Experience working on cross-functional teams and managing projects within such teams. Ability to work independently with guidance from a manager while maintaining accountability for deliverables. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing and non-technical business communication. Ability to influence senior and cross-functional stakeholders using clear, data-driven arguments. Proficiency in design of experiments, sampling plans, and basic statistical analysis for packaging development and validation. Ability to apply fundamental technical understanding to interpret and analyze data and reach sound conclusions. Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time, typically within North America. Ability to manage and mentor direct reports in a technical packaging environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Preferred experience in flexible film development and modified atmosphere packaging. Experience with product lifecycle management software such as FoodsConnected and SAP PLM. Familiarity with graphics approval processes and relevant software tools. Experience conducting transit testing and interpreting results to inform packaging design. Background in designing packaging for transit and distribution efficiency, including palletization and case configuration. Experience working with pilot plants and OEMs to conduct packaging trials and equipment qualifications. Exposure to CAPE Pack or similar tools for case and pallet optimization. Demonstrated ability to organize and maintain comprehensive documentation and close gaps in technical records. Experience in a large-scale, global CPG environment with multiple brands and product categories. Comfort working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with distributed teams. Work Environment This role is based at a large, modern site with approximately 400 employees and operates in a hybrid work model. Most team members work on-site 2–3 days per week, with remote work typically available on Mondays and Fridays. The position requires being local to the East Hanover area to support on-site responsibilities and to manage 2–3 direct reports effectively. The work environment includes collaboration with factories, offices, research and development facilities, and distribution activities, as well as regular interaction with pilot plants and OEM manufacturing sites. The role involves working with packaging equipment such as horizontal flow wrappers, vertical baggers, denesters, conveyors, cartoners, and case packers, and using digital tools including SAP PLM, product lifecycle management systems, specification management systems, and graphics approval software. Travel requirements are up to 30%, usually within North America, to support trials, plant visits, and supplier engagements. The organization offers a supportive, collaborative culture within one of the world’s largest snack companies, with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands and a strong focus on innovation and growth. As an additional on-site benefit, free lunch is provided for employees and consultants Monday through Friday. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in East Hanover,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.