Packaging Engineer

Job Title: Packaging Engineer Job Description This role leads the development and execution of packaging projects for multiple brands, taking concepts from initial idea through full-scale implementation. The Packaging Engineer plans and manages packaging development in close collaboration with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams, ensuring all solutions meet performance, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position focuses on designing and validating packaging across bench, pilot, and plant environments while driving innovation, sustainability, and cost effectiveness in packaging formats and materials. Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of packaging projects across multiple brands, from concept through commercialization. Plan and manage packaging development activities in alignment with R&D, marketing, and manufacturing requirements. Conduct bench-top experimentation to evaluate packaging material properties and performance. Plan, execute, and analyze pilot plant trials to test packaging designs in a scaled-down manufacturing environment. Lead and coordinate full-scale plant trials to validate packaging performance in production, ensuring objectives, timelines, and success criteria are clearly defined. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Procurement, Business Development, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality, to deliver successful packaging initiatives. Properly plan, coordinate, and document all plant trials, including trial protocols, data collection, troubleshooting, and final reports. Design, plan, and conduct analytical testing, line trials, and package performance testing to ensure packaging meets functional, quality, and regulatory requirements. Ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements in all packaging development and trial activities. Build and maintain strong relationships with key packaging material vendors, maintaining regular communication on new concepts, materials, and quality improvements. Leverage and challenge suppliers and partners to develop new technologies and cost-advantaged, sustainable packaging formats and materials that support business goals. Generate, develop, and execute packaging ideas that effectively utilize existing equipment and support the introduction of new equipment where needed. Apply technical knowledge of materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes to create robust, efficient, and visually appealing packaging from primary pack through pallet level. Create and maintain technical specifications, including die lines, artwork guidelines, and mockups, to support packaging development and commercialization. Communicate project status, risks, issues, and results clearly and regularly to stakeholders across the organization. Prepare technical reports, analyze data from trials and testing, and make evidence-based recommendations to inform decision-making. Contribute to the identification and protection of intellectual property related to packaging innovations and technologies. Troubleshoot packaging-related issues arising during development, line trials, and commercialization with limited supervision, implementing corrective actions as needed. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and resources to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results. Support continuous improvement initiatives in packaging design, materials, and processes to enhance performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Essential Skills A minimum of 5 years of experience in the food industry with a proven track record of executing successful plant trials for R&D. Demonstrated experience managing projects within cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, operations, and supply chain. Hands-on experience in the development, trials, and commercialization of packaging initiatives. Experience working with flexible, rigid, paperboard, and corrugated packaging materials. Proven ability to plan and execute bench-top experimentation, pilot plant trials, and full-scale plant trials. Strong understanding and practical application of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements in a food manufacturing environment. Planning and project management abilities, including the ability to manage timelines, resources, and multiple concurrent projects. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to interpret data and solve technical problems in packaging development and production. Experience creating technical specifications, including packaging specifications, die lines, and artwork requirements. Experience supporting artwork processes and creating or reviewing mockups for packaging. Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, both verbally and in writing. Capability to work with limited supervision, taking ownership of projects and delivering results. Technical knowledge of packaging materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes applicable to food packaging. Additional Skills & Qualifications Preferred experience in flexible film development, including structure design, performance evaluation, and supplier collaboration. Preferred experience with modified atmosphere packaging and its application in food products. Experience working with packaging for a variety of food categories, including biscuits, chocolate, baked snacks, gum, candy, cheese, grocery, or powdered beverages. Experience collaborating with external suppliers and partners to develop innovative packaging solutions. Familiarity with sustainable packaging strategies and materials aimed at reducing environmental impact. Ability to identify opportunities for intellectual property creation related to packaging technologies. Experience in global or multi-brand environments where packaging must meet diverse market and regulatory requirements. Comfort working in large, matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders and complex approval processes. Work Environment The role is based at a large site in East Hanover that employs approximately 400 people. Most team members follow a hybrid work schedule, typically spending 2–3 days per week onsite with remote work options commonly available on Mondays and Fridays. The position requires local presence to effectively support onsite activities, including bench testing, pilot plant trials, and full-scale plant trials, as well as regular collaboration with operations and cross-functional teams. The facility operates as part of a global snacks organization with factories, offices, research and development facilities, and distribution activities across more than 80 countries. The work environment emphasizes food safety, quality, and compliance with GMP and HACCP standards, and involves close interaction with production lines, packaging equipment, and analytical testing tools. Employees and consultants enjoy complimentary lunch Monday through Friday, contributing to a collaborative and engaging workplace culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality snack products to consumers worldwide. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Sep 11, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.