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Associate Packaging Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$36 - $41/hr

Master degree OR Bachelor degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate degree and 6 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 8 years of experience Red Flags: No packaging engineering ...

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Associate Packaging Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do associate packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate packaging engineer in California is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Packaging Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Packaging Engineer, you need a solid understanding of packaging materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes, typically backed by a degree in packaging engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing equipment, and industry standards like ISTA or ASTM is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and deliver innovative solutions. These skills ensure that packaging is functional, cost-effective, and compliant with safety and quality standards.

What are the typical projects and team collaborations for an Associate Packaging Engineer?

As an Associate Packaging Engineer, you'll often work on projects involving the design, testing, and optimization of packaging for products. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain, to ensure packaging solutions meet both functional and branding requirements. Daily tasks may include prototyping new packaging concepts, analyzing materials for cost and sustainability, and troubleshooting packaging issues in the production line. This role provides excellent exposure to different departments and hands-on experience with both technical and creative aspects of packaging.

What does an Associate Packaging Engineer do?

An Associate Packaging Engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing packaging solutions for products. They work with senior engineers and other teams to ensure that packaging is functional, cost-effective, and meets safety and regulatory standards. Their responsibilities often include creating prototypes, conducting material and durability tests, and supporting production processes. This role is typically entry-level and provides opportunities to learn about packaging materials, sustainability, and industry regulations.

What is the difference between Associate Packaging Engineer vs Packaging Technician?

AspectAssociate Packaging EngineerPackaging Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of packaging solutions in office and lab settingsHands-on packaging assembly and testing in manufacturing or warehouse settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, consumer goods, pharmaceuticalsManufacturing plants, distribution centers

The Associate Packaging Engineer focuses on designing and improving packaging solutions, requiring a degree and analytical skills. In contrast, the Packaging Technician handles the practical implementation and testing of packaging in production environments, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the packaging process but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Packaging Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Packaging Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Packaging Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Packaging Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $34,797 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Associate Staff Packaging Engineer

Associate Staff Packaging Engineer

Becton, Dickinson and Company

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


BD rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health is our Purpose, and it's no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us-from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year-to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The R&D Packaging Associate Staff Engineer supports the design, development, and implementation of medical device packaging solutions, including packages, processes, test methods, and equipment. The successful candidate will apply strong technical design, communication, and leadership skills to ensure compliance with applicable safety laws, quality policies, industry standards, and developed protocols, while contributing to innovative and sustainable packaging improvements that protect product integrity, improve cost, and help improve patient outcomes.

Job Responsibilities: (Primary Duties, Roles, and/or Authorities)

  • Own the design, development, and qualification of packaging systems for sterile and sterile fluid path medical devices in compliance with ISO 116071 & 2 and applicable regulatory requirements.

  • Contribute to packaging specifications, including definition, documentation, and maintenance of packaging system requirements.

  • Participate in design control activities for medium to highcomplexity projects, supporting design inputs, outputs, verification, and validation through testing and analysis.

  • Collaborate multi-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure packaging solutions meet performance, quality, safety, and sustainability objectives.

  • Develop and implement physical and functional package testing to ensure compliance with specifications and regulatory standards.

  • Author and support approval of test protocols, reports, specifications, and user documentation in accordance with company procedures.

  • Support equipment and process validation activities, including protocol review and execution support.

  • Assist with planning and coordination of engineering test builds and packaging evaluations.

  • Analyze packaging design, process, and test data; identify issues and supply to practical, datadriven solutions.

  • Communicate technical information, test results, and analysis summaries to project and program team members, including identified risks and recommended actions.

  • Support complaint investigations and root cause analysis related to packaging, as assigned.

  • Ensure compliance with company procedures, quality system requirements, and applicable safety and regulatory standards.

  • Contribute to innovation initiatives, including sustainable packaging improvements that enhance product protection, usability, and patient outcomes.

  • Prepare and deliver written and oral technical updates to project teams and partners.

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and team members.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and six (6) years of engineering experience within the medical device or equivalent regulated industry.

  • Or a master's degree in STEM and four (4) years of engineering experience within the medical device or equivalent regulated industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in STEM with emphasis on package design & materials

  • Candidates that have packaging experience within the medical device or equivalent regulated industry.

Essential Knowledge and Qualification Skills:

  • Foundational engineering knowledge with the ability to apply sound technical judgment to medical device packaging design and testing activities under minimal guidance.

  • Solid understanding of disciplined product development and design control processes in a regulated environment.

  • Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously, including defining tasks, schedules, and work in collaboration with project teams and suppliers.

  • Experience contributing to the development, review, and execution of packaging test protocols, reports, and engineering documentation.

  • Problemsolving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify issues, and recommend datadriven solutions.

  • Proficiency with engineering and analytical tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and basic statistical analysis (e.g., Minitab).

  • Understanding of basic packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and test methods relevant to medical device packaging systems.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to crossfunctional stakeholders.

  • Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within crossfunctional teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to follow company procedures, quality system requirements, and applicable safety and regulatory standards.

  • Desired Knowledge and Qualification Skills:

  • Knowledge of medical device packaging standards and regulations, such as ISO 11607, ASTM D4169, and 21 CFR 820.30.

  • Familiarity with packaging material science and failure modes for common materials such as plastics, elastomers, and metals.

  • Experience or coursework in Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical methods, or advanced data analysis.

  • Exposure to manufacturing and assembly processes, including automated assembly, bonding techniques, and process validation concepts.

  • Experience supporting equipment or process qualification activities, including protocol execution and data analysis.

  • Awareness of sustainability principles and interest in developing environmentally responsible packaging solutions that support product usability and patient outcomes.

  • Demonstrated accountability, learning agility, and strong alignment with BD values and teamoriented behaviors.

Physical Demands:

This position is in an office and laboratory environment and requires the incumbent to sit, stand and perform general office functions. The incumbent may also be required to lift up to twenty-five pounds occasionally. The incumbent may be required to stand for extended periods. Bending, stooping, and reaching are also frequently required.

Work Environment:

  • Onsite in office environment.

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company's receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD's Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you'll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

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Primary Work LocationUSA CA - San Diego TC Bldg C&DAdditional LocationsWork ShiftNA (United States of America)

At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You."

Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed.

Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.

Salary Range Information

$124,700.00 - $205,800.00 USD Annual

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About BD

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. We have over 65,000 employees and a presence in virtually every country around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin Lakes, NJ, US

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