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Associate Packaging Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

$28 - $31/hr

Associate Company: Celerity Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time - Hourly About Celerity: Celerity ... Review and analyze job packages, engineering drawings, and project documentation to confirm ...

Pharma Packaging Operator

Pomona, CA

$17 - $20.50/hr

... Engineering and Maintenance teams with trouble shooting, maintenance, and repair of equipment May ... associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies ...

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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 Engineer- Packaging Group (JP11392)

Associate Engineer- Packaging Group (JP11392)

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Associate Engineer- Packaging Group (JP11392)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Employment Type: Contract to hire
Business Unit: Secondary Packaging
Duration: 6+ months with likely extensions or conversion to FTE
Job posting date: 04/11/2023
Note: Onsite Essential
3 Key Consulting is hiring an Associate Engineer- Packaging Group for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global bio-pharmaceutical company.
Job Summary:
  • This position reports into the Packaging Engineering group under Final Product Technologies in Thousand Oaks, CA.
  • This position will apply engineering principles to execute the proper design, qualification and implementation of Primary and Secondary Packaging components and the associated systems such as documentation, equipment and processes.
  • Knowledge of primary and secondary packaging systems and material science is essential to the position.
  • The position requires organizational, project management, technical problem solving and communication (written and verbal) skills, and the ability to work in teams and adapt to rapidly changing environment.
    This position is responsible and accountable for the following:
  • Support for testing and evaluation leading to recommendation and selection of primary
    and secondary packaging materials.
  • Familiarity with Material Testing standards, requirements and equipment is essential.
  • Writing of test protocols, perform technical evaluations and testing to support reports used to justify the use of selected materials and packaging components.
  • Writing technical specifications, creating engineering drawings, and developing artwork
    templates.
  • Competent with AutoCAD, Illustrator, or similar software application to create, modify and approve engineering drawings.
  • Support line trials and packaging validation activities prior to introduction of any new or
    change in components/processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (i.e. Quality, Device Engineering, Supply Chain,
    Artwork, Manufacturing, Regulatory, etc.) in pre-commercial and commercial activities.
    Qualifications:
  • BS Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Life Sciences
  • 0 to 3 years general packaging/engineering experience
  • Demonstrated Competencies/Skills:
    1) Independent thinker with demonstrated skills working in teams or leading project teams
    2) Strong Interpersonal and communication skills
    Top Must have Skill Sets:
  • Ability to multi-task and take on multiple projects
  • Ability to comprehend the work and ask the right questions when needed
  • Proactive approach in work (Need to pull and request assignments when work is complete vs waiting around for Manager to follow up)
Employee Value Proposition:
Joining a team willing to train.
Possible growth opportunity with the company
Interview Process: Skype Interviews to start asap.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this position, please feel free to look at other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com. You are welcome to also sharethis posting withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.