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Associate Packaging Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$63K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of work experience in ... Number of Days in Office: 4 #LI-Hybrid #LI-MH1 #LI-Associate Compensation Pay Range:$63,000-$93,000 ...

Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$63K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of work experience in ... Number of Days in Office: 4 #LI-Hybrid #LI-MH1 #LI-Associate Compensation Pay Range:$63,000-$93,000 ...

... engineering and systems integration. Our tightly integrated offerings are tailored to each clients ... PACKAGING/ WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE Location: Pekin, IL 61554 Shift: General shift Pay: $12-15/hr ...

Pretium Packaging is searching for a talented, hands-on Process Engineer for our plant in St ... Bachelor's or associate's degree in mechanical/plastics engineering or related field. * Reheat blow ...

Pretium Packaging is searching for a talented, hands-on Process Engineer for our plant in St ... Bachelor's or associate's degree in mechanical/plastics engineering or related field. * Reheat blow ...

From corrugated, warehouse solutions, design & engineering to packaging supplies. Leave your past ... Forklift Associate * Monday - Friday * 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Expected Hours: Forklift Associate * 40 ...

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Associate Packaging Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$16

$19

How much do associate packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate packaging engineer in Illinois is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.26 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Packaging Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Packaging Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Packaging Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,166 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$63K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 432 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Reporting to the Packaging Manager, you will identify, develop, and commercialize new, improved, and cost-reduced packaging initiatives for the meat snacks packaging platform. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation, you will work across multiple packaging formats while supporting packaging-driven projects, plant start-ups, and capacity expansions. You will perform hands-on package testing and prototyping in state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot plants, owning assigned brands and spaces while collaborating with internal and external partners.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Independently lead the technical delivery of multiple standard packaging projects.
  • Support technical projects with guidance from senior-level engineers.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in selected packaging technologies and educate packaging staff on such technology.
  • Provide support to designated business groups to resolve packaging-related issues.
  • Work directly with business partners including Brand, Finance, Product Development, and Quality on assigned brands.
  • Coordinate and execute experiments and plant trials; prepare written and oral technical reports with minimal supervision.
  • Interpret, develop, and issue technical packaging specifications.
  • Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments within the packaging industry.
  • Participate in brainstorming and information-gathering efforts to support the resource planning process.
  • Collaborate with Consumer Insights on testing new package ideas.
  • Maintain strong communication on projects with internal and external cross-functional teams.
  • Gain familiarity with fiscal and strategic plans of the team.
  • Understand project tasks and how they impact project budgets.
  • Contribute as needed on cross-functional teams.
  • Acquire working knowledge of packaging principles and operating systems for assigned platforms.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods or food industry.
  • Additional packaging internship or cooperative experience.
  • Solid understanding of packaging material capabilities and packaging equipment.
  • Knowledge of packaging test methodology.
  • Strong collaboration skills with a focus on cross-functional partnerships.
  • Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
  • Developing troubleshooting skills with comfort responding in dynamic situations.
  • Understanding of business principles.
  • Financial understanding to support profitability optimization.
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements
More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply:
You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.
This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.
Number of Days in Office: 4
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MH1
#LI-Associate
Compensation
Pay Range:$63,000-$93,000
The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

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