Packaging Development Engineer

Position Title: Packaging Development EngineerLocation: Remote (Candidates must be based in AZ, CA, MD, IL, or GA)Classification: Exempt (Salaried)Work Schedules: Full-Time; Requires frequent travel to manufacturing sites in AZ and MD.SummaryThis role is with a premier specialty contract packaging (co-packer) and OEM food manufacturer recognized for developing custom solutions across a vast product portfolio. Their expertise ranges from dry goods, such as seasonings and mixes, to liquid and viscous products, including sauces and dressings, serving a diverse customer base in retail, foodservice, and industrial sectors.They are seeking an experienced Packaging Development Engineer to join their R&D team. This critical role involves the end-to-end development and design of packaging materials for both new and existing food products. While this position offers a remote work structure for candidates based in CA, IL, or GA, it requires a professional comfortable with frequent travel to production facilities in Arizona and Maryland to ensure successful scale-up, testing, and implementation of packaging designs.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Material Development: Develop, select, and design appropriate containers, films, and packaging materials for all new food products, specifically focusing on the unique barrier and shelf-life requirements for sauces, seasonings, and dry mixes.Sustainability Leadership: Propose, champion, and implement sustainable packaging solutions, such as paper conversion and the increased use of recycled and biodegradable materials.Vendor Liaison: Act as the primary technical contact, collaborating and negotiating with external packaging material suppliers, printing companies, and filling machine manufacturers.On-Site Integration: Travel to manufacturing sites in Arizona and Maryland to evaluate and confirm the suitability of packaging on mass production and filling lines; they will provide expert technical support to troubleshoot and resolve packaging-related production issues.Standards & Testing: Establish comprehensive packaging specifications and define quality and durability testing standards to ensure product integrity throughout the supply chain.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Marketing, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams to deliver optimal packaging solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle.Value Engineering: Lead efforts to identify and implement strategic cost-reduction measures related to packaging design and materials procurement.QualificationsTechnical Breadth: Demonstrated knowledge of a wide variety of packaging materials, including plastics, laminated films, paper containers, and bottles.Operational Insight: Solid understanding of packaging machinery and filling equipment, including the ability to conduct formal compatibility assessments on-site.Commercial Acumen: Proven experience in technical negotiations with packaging suppliers and the strategic purchasing of packaging materials.RequiredResidency in California, Illinois, or Georgia.Willingness and ability to travel frequently (up to 40-50%) to AZ and MD facilities.A minimum of 3 years of professional packaging design or material development experience within the food, beverage, or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industries.Proven track record of successful supplier management and negotiation.PreferredDirect experience with packaging materials for dry goods (seasonings/mixes) and/or liquid/viscous products (sauces/dressings).Direct experience working within a contract packaging (co-packer) or OEM manufacturing environment.A Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.