Packaging Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Packaging Engineer
Location: Romeoville, IL
Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire, Onsite
Target Pay Rate: $65.00 - $70.00/hour (on contract) | $135,000-145,000/year (upon conversion)

Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP program

Must-Have Skills:

• Packaging engineering experience within cosmetics, personal care, or consumer packaged goods (CPG)
• Experience developing primary and secondary packaging solutions
• Strong understanding of packaging materials including plastics, glass, aluminum, and paperboard
• Packaging testing experience including compatibility, stability, transport, and line trials
• CAD software proficiency (SolidWorks, ArtiosCAD, or similar)
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills

Job Summary:

Seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and commercialization of innovative packaging solutions for cosmetic and personal care products. This role will partner with Product Development, Marketing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to deliver packaging that meets brand, performance, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements while supporting sustainability and cost-saving initiatives.

Job Duties:

• Design and develop primary and secondary packaging components including bottles, jars, tubes, pumps, caps, cartons, and labels
• Translate product, consumer, and branding requirements into functional packaging solutions
• Lead packaging projects from concept through commercialization
• Conduct packaging feasibility studies and manage development timelines
• Perform packaging validation and testing, including compatibility, drop, leakage, compression, and transportation testing
• Support supplier qualification and onboarding activities
• Develop packaging specifications, drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation
• Provide technical support during manufacturing scale-up, validation, and product launch activities
• Troubleshoot packaging issues related to manufacturing, filling, and distribution processes
• Drive cost reduction, sustainability, and packaging performance improvement initiatives
• Stay current on packaging innovations, materials, and industry trends

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required
• 2-5+ years of packaging engineering experience preferred
• Familiarity with cosmetic filling operations and manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of FDA, ISO, ASTM, and packaging regulatory requirements preferred
• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives, including recyclability and PCR materials, is a plus
• Experience working with overseas suppliers is preferred
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience is a plus
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Mike Schmitz
Technical Recruiter

If you're a skilled professional in engineering, manufacturing, or life sciences and you're exploring your next career move-I'm here to help.


I'm a Senior Technical Recruiter and Team Leader who's passionate about connecting great people with great companies. I specialize in placing candidates in roles within product, equipment, food/beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and I work closely with some of the most respected employers in the industry.

My approach is consultative, transparent, and relationship-driven. I'll take the time to understand your goals, skills, and preferences-and then help you navigate the search process with confidence. From resume tips and interview prep to timely feedback and honest communication, my goal is to make your job search feel less stressful and more strategic.

I've worked with professionals at all levels-from early career to senior leadership-and I'm always looking to expand my network of talented candidates. Whether you're actively on the market or just curious about what's out there, I'd love to connect.

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• Connect on LinkedIn

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now.