ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Packaging Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mintex Technology

Packaging Mechanic

Manassas, VA · On-site

$97K/yr

Packaging Mechanic * Location : Manassas, Virginia * Duration : Full Time / Permanent * Salary up ... Associate's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Design Engineer Associate

VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Responsibilities Design Engineer, Associate Essential responsibilities and activities include but ... We offer an excellent benefits package including: * A competitive salary * Medical, dental, vision ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Packaging Engineer JobsAssociate Packaging Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Associate Packaging Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do associate packaging engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate packaging engineer in Virginia is $16.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate packaging engineer?

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 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Packaging Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Packaging Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Packaging Engineer job openings:

Associate Packaging Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Packaging Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,956 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Foods Packaging Senior Principal Engineer

PepsiCo

Colonial Heights, VA • On-site

$123K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 899 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview
Packaging R&D Senior Principal Engineer to lead the PepsiCo Foods North America - Sabra business packaging agenda, utilizing technical expertise and leadership to ensure continued growth and profitability through new consumer propositions and maintenance of existing portfolio focused on packaging innovation, sustainability, quality and cost. Role is based at Sabra's Chesterfield Virginia facility and reports into Pepsico's Global Foods Packaging team.
Responsibilities
  • Develop short and long term strategies to optimize and transform packaging for improved consumer experiences, elevated brand distinction on shelf, enhanced ease of use, improved freshness, and/or improved sustainability.
  • Work closely with Marketing, Design, Finance, Supply Chain, and Procurement to create new business propositions that are desirable, feasible, and viable to grow and evolve the business.
  • Represent Packaging function in business leadership meetings with accountability for setting agenda, results and strategy within packaging for the business unit.
  • Lead a team of 1-2 packaging associates to manage and prioritize packaging activities to deliver business innovation, sustainability and productivity agenda.
  • Leverage sound technical knowledge in Foods Packaging Materials and Manufacturing Technologies to positively influence business agenda as Packaging Subject Matter Expert.
  • Influence adoption and implementation of packaging sustainability advances and enable progress towards Pepsico external packaging commitments. Assure high level of awareness, understanding and knowledge of sustainability design principles across business partners.
  • Model Packaging R&D competencies and actively coach team to continuously build and grow individually and as a team, driving an inclusive and learning culture. Actively identify and solve for capability and capacity gaps through efficient use of internal and external resources.
  • Build internal and external networks and collaborations to best leverage available resources and knowledge
  • Partner with Food Safety Quality Assurance, Regulatory, and Legal functions to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies associated with packaging materials and processes.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $123,500 - $206,750.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 15% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications
Education (Required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience
  • Minimum of 10+ years Foods or Beverage Packaging experience preferably in an R&D environment.
  • Demonstrated mastery of packaging materials, polymer science, packaging equipment technologies, business/financial analysis capabilities, effective communicator and influencer.
  • Rigid plastic packaging (PET, HDPE, Polypropylene) experience highly preferred
  • Strong leadership skills demonstrating strategic thinking, clear setting of agenda and proven track record of people development.
  • Strong project management skills in developing project timelines with multiple cross-functional touch points.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing and persuasion skills.
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and technical ability with excellent presentation skills.
  • Experience in the development and execution of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging materials and have knowledge of the interrelationship with equipment.
  • Experience with technical stage gate process, ability to create package development plans, manage timelines and budgets across all projects.
  • Must demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced and consumer driven environment.
  • Effective in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
  • Self-starter able to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 10%, with occasional international travel as required.
  • This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States

>
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement

What PepsiCo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

PepsiCo logo

About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965

View All PepsiCo Jobs

Apply